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Poland said it had selected the U.S. government and Westinghouse to build its first nuclear power plant, marking a major step forward for Poland to burn less coal and achieve greater energy independence.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said late Friday that Poland’s nuclear energy projects will use “reliable and safe technology” from Westinghouse Electric Co., adding that the strong Polish-American alliance “guarantees the success of our joint initiative “.
Poland has been planning for years to build a nuclear power plant to gain greater energy independence and replace ageing coal plants in the country with the worst air pollution levels in Europe.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the use of energy as a tool in a larger confrontation with the West have made Poland’s search for energy alternatives even more important.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said the $40 billion project would create or maintain more than 100,000 jobs for American workers.
“This is a big step in strengthening our relationship with Poland and creating energy security for future generations. We are excited to continue this partnership and drive the clean energy transition with our European counterparts,” Granholm tweeted wrote.
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“This announcement also sends a clear message to Russia: We will not let them weaponize energy again,” Granholm said. “The West will stand united against this unprovoked aggression, while also making energy Diversify chains and strengthen climate cooperation.”
The deal is for the first three reactors of a nuclear power plant to be built in northern Poland, which officials say should start generating electricity in 2033. Poland also considered offers from France and South Korea.
The United States is one of the most important allies of NATO member Poland. After Russia invaded Ukraine in February, it increased its military presence in the country, establishing a permanent presence for the first time and using Poland as a hub for arms shipments to Ukraine.
State-owned Assets Minister Jacek Sasin hinted that South Korea could still play a role in the project, saying “this is not our final decision” and more talks on the large nuclear energy project will be held in Seoul next week.
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