Poland builds first small nuclear plant in Europe

August 29, 2025

Poland is set to become the first European country to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR), with the groundbreaking project slated for Włocławek. The announcement was made by Orlen, the country’s leading energy company, marking a significant milestone in Poland’s transition from coal-based energy to low-emission power sources.

Europe’s first BWRX-300 SMR to launch in Poland

Orlen confirmed that construction of the BWRX-300—the world’s most advanced small modular reactor design—will begin in Włocławek. Developed with American nuclear technology, this SMR will be the first of its kind in Europe.

“We are building the energy of the future. Poland will host Europe’s first BWRX-300 small modular nuclear power plant,” said Ireneusz Fąfara, CEO of Orlen, in an official statement.

The project will be spearheaded by Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), a newly established joint venture between Orlen and Synthos Green Energy, with both companies holding a 50% stake. OSGE has secured full access to GE Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR technology—placing it at the forefront of nuclear innovation in Europe.

Key step in Poland’s clean energy strategy

The Włocławek SMR is part of a larger national plan to phase out coal and adopt more sustainable energy sources. Poland remains one of the most coal-dependent countries in the European Union, but that’s changing rapidly. In 2023, the Polish government approved the development of 24 SMRs across six sites.

With an initial capacity goal of 0.6 gigawatts by 2035, Orlen aims to establish at least two fully operational SMRs, significantly reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Poland’s coal transition: a national priority

According to research by the energy think tank Forum Energii, Poland was responsible for burning around 87% of the coal used in EU households in 2019. The move to small modular reactors represents a bold shift in national energy policy—aimed at improving air quality, reducing carbon emissions, and strengthening energy independence.