To keep pan alive: Poland relies on nuclear energy

Alexey Belogoryev, Research and Development Director of the Institute for Energy and Finance, commented to the publication Strana Rosatom on the prospects for the nuclear generation development in Poland and the small modular reactors market:

"In 2024, 57% of the country's electricity was generated by coal-fired generation. Yes, the Poles are following the path of reducing it, back in 2021, the share of coal reached 76%. Coal-fired power is being replaced by solar, wind, and, temporarily, gas generation. But Poland is not ready, like Germany, to remain without sustainable basic generation and rely only on unstable generation based on renewable sources. In this case, nuclear power plants are both the key to maintaining a stable energy system and developing its export potential. Deliveries are possible to Germany as well."

"Traditional reactors and MMRs have different market niches in Europe," Alexey Belogoryev points out. — MMR is primarily good for its relatively low capital intensity, speed of commissioning and lower requirements for the scale of the electric power market. It is easier to decide on their construction and financing, these are more flexible and cost-effective projects, and they do not require such long-term planning as with conventional nuclear power plants. There is an increased demand for compact, modular and mobile energy solutions in the world. MMR fits perfectly into the trend. But I would say that MMR is a niche addition to large nuclear power plants, and not an adversary that threatens to displace them."