Poland picks Westinghouse to construct its first nuclear plant – POLITICO

Poland awarded a contract to construct its first nuclear energy plant to a U.S. bid because the nation seeks to burn much less coal and improve its power independence.

The federal government in Warsaw selected Westinghouse for the nuclear undertaking, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki mentioned late Friday in a tweet praising the U.S. firm’s “dependable, secure know-how.”

“A robust Poland-U.S. alliance ensures the success of our joint initiatives,” Morawiecki mentioned.

Westinghouse reportedly beat out France’s EDF and South Korean state-run firm Korea Hydro & Nuclear Energy for the contract.

Polish authorities spokesman Piotr Mueller mentioned on Saturday that the administration would undertake a choice at a gathering on Wednesday that can launch environmental approval and funding procedures, the Related Press reported. Mueller mentioned the nuclear plant in northern Poland would require bettering infrastructure within the space, together with roads.

U.S. Power Secretary Jennifer Granholm welcomed Warsaw’s resolution, calling it a “large step in strengthening our relationship with Poland for future generations to come back.”

“This announcement additionally sends a transparent message to Russia: We is not going to allow them to weaponize power any longer,” Granholm mentioned in a tweet. “The West will stand collectively towards this unprovoked aggression, whereas additionally diversifying power provide chains and bolstering local weather cooperation.”