The European Commission has launched an investigation into the compatibility of public support for the first Polish atomic power plant in Lubiatów-Kopalino with the European Union state aid rules. This decision may affect the timetable for the implementation of the project, which is crucial for the Polish energy transition.
Public support under the EC’s scrutiny
In September Poland notified the European Commission of the support plan for the Polish Power Plant Jądrowe sp. z o.o., liable for the construction of the power plant. According to the Commission, at this phase the preliminary assessment indicates that ‘the aid package is essential and has an incentive effect due to the fact that the beneficiary would not have implemented the task without public support’. However, the EC has "questions whether the measurement is full compatible with EU State aid rules".
This investigation is crucial as it may hold the implementation of the investment. The European Commission's consent to public aid is essential so that the task can decision on to the next stages.
Timetable for the implementation of Lubiatowo-Kopalino power plant
The government's typical for strategical energy infrastructure, Wojciech Wrochna, stated that the start of the first power plant block is planned for 2036. By the end of this year, a formal notification process by the EC is expected, allowing for a substantive dialog on public support.
The project's key timetable includes the following steps:
- 2025 year: transfer of the contractor's construction site.
- 2026 year: preparing a location report.
- 2028 year: obtaining a licence to build and start work (the alleged ‘first atomic concrete’).
- 2036 year: commercial operation of the first block.
- 2037-2038: Start the next blocks.
Wrochna pointed out that on average the procedure for notification of public aid to atomic projects takes about 1.5 years, but Poland intends to accelerate this process in order to avoid delays.
The importance of atomic power plants for Poland
The Lubiatowo-Kopalino power plant task is part of Poland's energy transformation strategy, which assumes a shift from coal and a unchangeable supply of electricity. atomic energy is expected to play a key function in reducing CO2 emissions and improving national energy security.
Building a atomic power plant is besides an undertaking of large economical importance. The investment is expected to contribute to the improvement of local communities, creating fresh jobs and supporting the region's technological development.
Will the EC velocity up the decision?
Experts indicate that public aid decisions for atomic projects can be complex and time-consuming. However, Poland may argue that the investment is crucial from a strategical and environmental point of view.
If the European Commission finds public support incompatible, Poland will gotta modify the aid package or look for alternate sources of funding, which may importantly affect the project's timetable.
Summary
The European Commission is facing an crucial decision which can decide on the future of the Polish atomic energy programme. Although the task to build the Lubiatowo-Kopalino power plant seems crucial for achieving the climate objectives and ensuring the energy safety of Poland, its success depends on the fast and affirmative resolution of the issue of public support by the EC. Everything indicates that the coming months will be crucial for the future of Polish atomic energy.
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