An overwhelming 92 percent of Poles support building nuclear power plants in the country, with nearly 80 percent willing to accept such facilities near their homes, according to a new government survey—representing a rare consensus in Poland's politically divided landscape.
The findings, released by Poland's Ministry of Climate and Environment, underscore remarkable public backing for the government's ambitious nuclear program as the country seeks to transition away from coal dependence and strengthen energy security in the shadow of Russian aggression.
"Nuclear energy has extraordinarily strong social mandate in Poland," Energy Minister Jakub Sztyler said during a press conference in Warsaw. "Over 9 out of 10 Poles support building nuclear power plants. What's even more striking—almost 80 percent accept having such an installation in their region."
The survey results mark a significant shift for a country where coal has dominated energy production for generations, employing tens of thousands and shaping entire regional economies. Poland currently derives approximately 70 percent of its electricity from coal, among the highest rates in Europe.
In Poland, as across Central Europe, history is never far from the surface—and neither is the memory of occupation. Energy security carries special weight in a nation that remembers Soviet-era dependence and watched Russia weaponize gas supplies against Europe following its invasion of Ukraine.
The Polish government has committed to constructing its first nuclear power plant on the Baltic coast near Choczewo, with American company Westinghouse selected to provide reactor technology. The facility is expected to begin operations in the mid-2030s, with an initial capacity of up to 3,750 megawatts.
Plans call for a second nuclear site to be developed in partnership with South Korean companies, potentially adding another 2,800 megawatts of capacity. Combined, the two projects would represent one of Europe's most significant nuclear expansion programs.
"This is not just about electricity generation—it's about Poland's strategic autonomy," said Jerzy Buzek, a former prime minister and European Parliament member who has long advocated for nuclear energy. "We cannot build a secure future on imported energy from unreliable partners."
The survey's findings on local acceptance are particularly noteworthy. The "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) phenomenon has derailed or delayed nuclear projects in numerous countries, but Polish respondents demonstrated willingness to host facilities in their communities.
This acceptance reflects both growing climate awareness and security concerns. Russia's invasion of Ukraine transformed energy policy from an environmental issue into a matter of national security across Central and Eastern Europe.
Poland's coal regions, traditionally resistant to energy transition, have shown surprising openness to nuclear power. "People understand that coal has no long-term future," explained a union representative from the Silesia mining heartland. "Nuclear offers well-paid jobs and energy security without the carbon emissions."
The government has emphasized that nuclear development will proceed alongside renewable energy expansion. Poland aims to install substantial offshore wind capacity in the Baltic Sea while phasing out coal-fired power plants that have made the country one of Europe's largest carbon emitters.
Critics note that nuclear power plants require decade-long construction periods and massive upfront investment. The projects are expected to cost tens of billions of euros, raising questions about financing and potential delays.
"Public support is crucial, but we need to see concrete progress," said a Warsaw-based energy analyst. "Poland has announced ambitious plans before. The real test is execution."
Environmental groups have offered cautious support, viewing nuclear as preferable to continued coal dependence but emphasizing the need for parallel investment in renewables and energy efficiency.
The survey results place Poland among the most pro-nuclear countries in Europe, contrasting sharply with nations like Germany, which completed its nuclear phase-out in 2023. That divergence reflects differing historical experiences and threat perceptions.
Poland's embrace of nuclear power has garnered support from the European Union, which included nuclear energy in its taxonomy of sustainable investments. French President Emmanuel Macron has championed a "nuclear alliance" of EU member states committed to atomic energy.
The Polish government plans to publish strategic documents outlining detailed timelines and financing mechanisms for the nuclear program in coming months, according to ministry officials.
For a nation that has long struggled to balance energy security, economic development, and environmental concerns, the nuclear consensus represents a potentially transformative moment—if the projects can move from planning to reality.
