The transformation of Poland’s energy sector is both a necessary requirement for achieving its climate goals and essential for ensuring national energy security. Faced with the continued aging of its domestic coal-fired power plants (CFPPs), many of which are over 50 years old, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, a gradual shift away from fossil fuels and towards low-emission energy is crucial. Simultaneously, this transformation must be predicated on ensuring the stability of the national power system (KSE), guaranteeing energy supply security, and maintaining an acceptable overall economic cost. This necessitates a coordinated replacement of coal-fired power generation, and for regions where economic conditions are often closely tied to local fuel and energy industries, it is best to adhere to the principle of a “fair transition.” In practice, this means enhancing the role of nuclear energy, as achieving climate goals while maintaining long-term economic growth may be difficult without investment in nuclear power plants.
The installed capacity of coal-fired power plants should be replaced by newly built nuclear power units to increase the proportion of nuclear energy, ideally located at or near existing coal-fired power plant sites. This approach achieves climate goals while maintaining the sustainable and healthy development of local economies. Utilizing existing transmission and local infrastructure helps reduce the construction costs of nuclear power plants. Such investments align with the “coal-to-nuclear” (C2N) transition concept, which is gaining increasing popularity globally, especially in regions where economic development is based on the important role of coal in the energy sector and now faces the need for economic decarbonization.
To clarify the practical application of the “coal-to-nuclear” transition, the DEsire project conducted preliminary feasibility studies. These studies covered three potential investments, two of which were brownfield redevelopment projects and one was a direct investment. The studies included the Kozinese Power Plant, the Dorna-Odra Power Plant, and one of the 900 MW units currently in operation at the Opole Power Plant. These analyses aimed to examine how the investment process could proceed under realistic site conditions and what technical and economic outcomes might be achieved. The study team developed site development plans and investment timelines covering all key phases from the analysis phase and obtaining permits to the construction and commissioning of the new nuclear system.
These research reports have been translated into English and Chinese and are now available exclusively on our website. This is a non-binding, unofficial translation compiled by the REPOWER initiative for internal use.
📄 KM4.1 Dolna Odra_Appendix 1 – English