Expertise will be prepared by the Polish Energy Group a key element of the recommendation for the government, which will make the final decision on the investment location.
Read also: Visit of the Minister of Finance in Kiev. One topic is particularly difficult
The future of the region and the transformation “from coal to nuclear” were discussed on Friday during the 2nd edition of the conference “From coal to nuclear. Bełchatów of the future”. The event gathered heads of energy companies, politicians, local government officials and trade union representatives who unanimously supported Bełchatów's nuclear aspirations.
Ready infrastructure and human potential
Bełchatów, previously associated with traditional conventional energy, is emerging as a favorite in the race for Poland's second nuclear power plant. In the updated Polish Nuclear Energy Program (PPEJ), this region – next to Konin – was indicated as the preferred location.
Deputy Minister of Energy Marian Zmarzły emphasized that the region, where a lignite mine and a powerful power plant have been operating for over half a century, has all the necessary advantages.
In turn, PGE's vice-president for regulation, Marcin Laskowski, explained that the company is already carrying out intensive work under the so-called location study. He also assured that PGE intends to make full use of the experience gained during the implementation of the first Polish nuclear project in Pomerania.
Read also: NBP in the center of the political game. Donald Tusk versus Adam Glapiński
Bełchatów is an important center for the Polish energy industry
Experts point out that the huge advantage of Bełchatów is, among others, ready, one of the largest transmission networks in the country with a capacity of 5.5 GW and high public support.
“Bełchatów has the greatest understanding of Polish energy; here we have people who understand what the country's energy security is. These arguments prove that this is an excellent place to build another nuclear source in our country” – noted Laskowski.
During Friday's conference, specific investment sites were even indicated. The preferred location is Chmielowiec near Szczerców, while Biały Ług, located in close proximity to the existing power plant, remains a reserve option.
Brown coal resources in the Szczerców Field will be exhausted in about a decade, and the units of the Bełchatów Power Plant are to be decommissioned successively from 2030. According to the concession, in 2036, coal-based mining and production activities will completely come to an end.
