Poland passes law to speed construction of its first nuclear power plant

Poland's lower house approved an amendment to the nuclear investment act that aims to cut the construction schedule of the country's first nuclear power plant by about two years. The changes introduce a special category of building permits allowing preliminary works such as earthworks, slope reinforcement and fire‑water reservoirs to begin before a full construction licence is granted.

The Senate subsequently adopted the same bill, which now proceeds to the president for signature. Under the new rules the regional governor will issue the early‑work permit after the investor secures environmental, zoning and other required approvals. Activities that affect nuclear safety will still need an additional authorization from the head of the State Atomic Agency, which charges a 1.5 million zł fee and has nine months to assess the applicant. The legislation is designed to make the investment process more predictable and to ensure tighter coordination among construction, safety and regulatory bodies.