Polish companies seek greater involvement in nuclear power plant construction

A majority of Polish companies have expressed interest in participating in the country’s first nuclear power plant project, with over 70% of firms reporting experience in the energy sector that could be applied to nuclear projects, according to a study by the Polish Economic Institute (PIE). The report, titled “How Much Poland in the Atom? Local Content of the Nuclear Energy Program”, was conducted in collaboration with Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) and Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK).

The survey examined more than 100 Polish enterprises, with one-third of respondents indicating experience in foreign nuclear projects. Many of these companies are based in Pomerania, where the first nuclear plant is being developed. The study covered businesses from sectors such as construction (30%), engineering and infrastructure (28%), and machinery production (22%). A significant number of these firms have experience with large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of gas and coal-fired power plants.

The findings suggest that while interest is high, many companies face financial and logistical barriers to securing contracts within the nuclear sector. The lack of access to funding for preparatory activities is the most frequently cited obstacle, followed by difficulties in obtaining the necessary certifications and meeting the industry’s strict requirements.

The study identified four categories of companies based on their readiness to engage in nuclear projects. Smaller enterprises, referred to as “local observers”, often lack experience and financial resources. Medium and large firms without prior nuclear experience, called “dormant giants”, are hesitant due to the sector’s complexity. “New professionals”, which are smaller companies with international nuclear contracts, highlight a lack of awareness about nuclear industry requirements within Poland. “Market leaders”, consisting of large enterprises with foreign nuclear experience, view international competition as a challenge to securing contracts for the Pomeranian project.

Most Polish firms anticipate taking part in supporting and auxiliary roles rather than core nuclear operations. The most sought-after contracts involve infrastructure development around the plant (43%) and construction of conventional components (45%), excluding turbine installations. Despite these opportunities, firms still identify financial constraints as a primary challenge. Many also emphasize the need for greater education and training programs to prepare for participation in nuclear projects.

According to PIE’s findings, domestic participation in the nuclear project is estimated at 40%, with experienced firms being less optimistic about achieving this target. However, interest in nuclear investment remains high, with 84% of surveyed companies believing that the role of Polish businesses in future nuclear projects will grow. Key incentives for domestic firms include entry into the nuclear sector, expansion of operations, enhanced employee skills, and strengthened market competitiveness.

While enthusiasm for involvement is evident, companies recognize challenges such as insufficient financial support, gaps in technical expertise, and high investment thresholds. Difficulty in recruiting specialized workers is also a concern, as highlighted by companies ranking these barriers on a five-point scale, with financial constraints (4.29) and skills shortages (4.26) ranking highest.

BGK, Poland’s national development bank, has indicated its willingness to support Polish companies financially in their efforts to participate in the nuclear power project. Marcin Terebelski, director of the Industrial Development Program at BGK, emphasized that funding mechanisms are already available, but additional preferential financing options are being explored, particularly for companies where nuclear contracts exceed their current scale of operations.

The report also outlines several recommendations to increase the share of Polish firms in the nuclear supply chain. These include establishing a representative entity for Polish businesses in international nuclear projects, improving access to government support programs, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and strengthening local and national expertise through targeted training initiatives. The study found that 36% of surveyed companies do not yet hold any relevant nuclear industry certifications, highlighting the need for specialized assistance in obtaining necessary credentials.

Despite regulatory restrictions preventing preferential treatment of Polish firms in procurement contracts, the report underscores the strategic importance of integrating domestic companies into the nuclear energy sector. Ensuring a competitive and well-prepared supply chain will be essential for maximizing Poland’s long-term involvement in nuclear energy projects, both domestically and internationally.