Green Light for Poland’s First Nuclear Power Plant

The General Director for Environmental Protection (GDOŚ) has upheld the environmental decision regarding the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant in the Lubiatowo-Kopalino location. This decision marks another step forward in realizing a strategic energy project for Poland.

Environmental Decision Upheld

On January 16, 2025, GDOŚ partially amended the decision from September 19, 2023, correcting only two points that contained clerical errors while maintaining the decision’s validity in all other aspects. As a result, the environmental conditions for the construction of the nuclear power plant in the municipalities of Choczewo, Gniewino, or Krokowa were confirmed to comply with applicable regulations and the requirements derived from the environmental impact assessment.

After reviewing the case again, GDOŚ determined that the submitted environmental report met all formal requirements. The project’s implementation, in accordance with specified environmental conditions, will not result in significant negative impacts on the environment. Furthermore, the public participation process carried out as part of the EIA procedure was deemed proper.

Scope of Environmental Analysis

During the assessment of the project’s environmental impact, the General Directorate for Environmental Protection thoroughly analyzed the following aspects:

• Project variations
• Impact on land surface and cultural landscape: Evaluating terrain reshaping, effects on soil, monuments, and landscape.
• Waste management, including radioactive waste.
• Emissions into the atmosphere: Considering the impact of gas, dust, and noise emissions.
• Seismic and tectonic risks: Analyzing geological stability and potential risks for plant operation.
• Impact on water resources: Assessing effects on groundwater, surface water, and marine waters, including the ability to achieve environmental goals.
• Impact on natural habitats and Natura 2000 areas: Analyzing effects on ecological corridors and protected species of animals and plants.
• Climate impact

Addressing Allegations

In its decision, GDOŚ also addressed the allegations raised by social organizations, concluding that the environmental report and proposed technical solutions minimize the risk of negative environmental impacts.

The allegations from NGOs included issues such as:

• Lack of analysis regarding the extraction, storage, and transportation of radioactive materials.
• Failure to consider the construction of road and rail infrastructure necessary for the project.
• Ignoring the project’s impact on property values.

These issues were not taken into account, as they fell outside the scope of the environmental decision process.

Source: https://www.gov.pl/web/gdos