US firm Bechtel takes over site for Poland's first nuclear power plant

The United States consortium tasked with building Poland's first nuclear power plant has taken a significant step forward as Bechtel, a key member, received the designated construction site. This handover from Polish Nuclear Power Plants (PEJ) signifies the second phase of preparatory work for the ambitious project, which aims to bring nuclear energy to Poland.

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The selection of the earthworks contractor took place in a transparent, competitive process. It was the best offer not only in terms of price but also technically and in terms of the resources this company offered.

Alongside the site transfer, it was announced that Budimex has been appointed as the contractor for the crucial earthworks. This includes tasks such as site leveling and the reconstruction and expansion of the drainage system. Leszek Hołda, president of Bechtel Polska, stated that Budimex was chosen through a transparent and competitive process, offering the best technical and resource-based bid in addition to competitive pricing.

The project is now gearing up for the main construction phase, scheduled to begin in 2028. However, the "first nuclear concrete pour" is contingent on finalizing the main Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract and obtaining approval from the National Atomic Energy Agency (PAA). Negotiations for the EPC contract are ongoing, with an expected finalization in the fall, despite earlier hopes for a June completion.

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As Polish Nuclear Power Plants, we are holding intensive discussions with the American consortium Westinghouse-Bechtel regarding issues relevant to the current stage of the investment. Among the topics being agreed upon are risk allocation and the shaping of responsibilities. Each party has its negotiation assumptions, and it has been tentatively agreed that negotiations will end by the end of this year.

Marek Woszczyk, president of PEJ, assured that negotiations with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium are in an advanced stage. Discussions focus on risk allocation and defining responsibilities, with both parties aiming to conclude by the end of the year. Woszczyk emphasized the priority is to ensure the contract adequately protects the interests of PEJ and the Polish State Treasury. He noted that negotiations for nuclear projects are inherently complex and time-consuming, often exceeding 12 months.

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The priority is the quality of the EPC contract and the proper protection of the company's and the State Treasury's interests within it.

Despite the ongoing contract talks, both sides maintain that progress is being made according to the project's timeline. The existing Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) allows for continued geological surveys, preparatory work, and the licensing process, which includes PEJ's application for a construction permit submitted to the PAA on March 31, 2026.

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The prevailing, annexed EDA agreement allows for the implementation of further project milestones in accordance with the adopted schedule, including, among others, the continuation of in-depth geological research and the advancing progress of preparatory work, as well as the continuation of support for the licensing process, initiated by PEJ's submission of an application for a construction permit to the PAA on March 31, 2026.