Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors in Poland

The report outlines a three-phase roadmap for deploying Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Poland, emphasizing the need for cross-government coordination, diverse financing mechanisms, and a transition from first-of-a-kind projects to a standardized fleet. It highlights SMRs' potential to decarbonize energy-intensive industries, repurpose coal sites, and provide district heating. The document recommends utilizing tools such as Contracts for Difference (CfDs), Regulated Asset Base (RAB) frameworks, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to mitigate construction and market risks. It also stresses the importance of securing early supply chain capacity in Europe and developing a high-level radioactive waste repository to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Poland's energy transition is hindered by a heavy reliance on coal, ageing infrastructure, and fiscal constraints, making SMRs a viable option due to their lower upfront capital costs, siting flexibility, and potential for faster deployment compared to large reactors.
• Public support for nuclear energy in Poland is high; November 2024 polls by the Ministry of Industry indicate 93% of Poles favor building nuclear reactors, with nearly 80% accepting installations near their homes.
• SMRs can provide specific added value to the Polish system by decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors, repurposing former coal power plant sites to support regional jobs and grid stability, and providing solutions for district heating.
• The proposed deployment roadmap consists of three phases: Phase I focuses on feasibility, licensing, and project preparation; Phase II involves first-of-a-kind (FOAK) construction and demonstration; and Phase III targets fleet deployment and commercial scale-up to achieve economies of scale.
• To attract private capital and manage risks, the report recommends a mix of financial instruments, including Contracts for Difference (CfDs) for revenue stability, a Regulated Asset Base (RAB) framework to lower the cost of capital, and long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) for industrial zones.
• Poland is encouraged to act quickly to secure manufacturing slots and talent in the European supply chain and to participate in an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) for innovative nuclear technologies to leverage simplified State Aid rules.
• The report emphasizes that the sustainable deployment of SMRs requires the development of a high-level radioactive waste (HLW) repository based on consent, adhering to IAEA and EURATOM safety and waste management requirements.
• The document suggests that the Polish government should amend the Atomic Law to create a dedicated licensing pathway for SMRs and establish a national SMR Finance Task Force to coordinate financial structuring and regulatory compliance.

APA

Clean Air Task Force (n.d.). Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors in Poland. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20154012/smr-roadmap-poland.pdf

Chicago

Clean Air Task Force. Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors in Poland. n.d. https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20154012/smr-roadmap-poland.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Clean Air Task Force |title=Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors in Poland |url=https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20154012/smr-roadmap-poland.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{cleanairtaskforcendroadmap, author = {{Clean Air Task Force}}, title = {{Roadmap for Small Modular Reactors in Poland}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, url = {https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/20154012/smr-roadmap-poland.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }