Canada is positioning its CANDU nuclear reactor technology as a leading contender for Poland’s planned second nuclear power plant, as Warsaw accelerates efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce dependence on coal. During a visit to Warsaw, Canada’s energy minister said Ottawa is ready to back its proposal with financial and institutional support.
Poland has already selected U.S. based Westinghouse Electric to build its first nuclear facility on the Baltic Sea coast. The country is now consulting with potential partners from the United States, France, Canada and South Korea for a second plant. The project is central to Poland’s long term strategy to modernize its power sector, meet European climate targets and strengthen energy security.
Canadian officials argue that CANDU reactors offer distinct advantages, including flexibility in fuel use and a strong safety record. The technology is currently deployed in several countries, including Romania, where reactors based on Canadian design contribute significantly to national electricity supply. Canada has signaled it would provide financial backing to strengthen its bid and facilitate project development.
An additional element of the proposal involves potential participation from Canadian pension funds. These institutional investors have previously supported large scale infrastructure and energy projects abroad, including nuclear developments in the United Kingdom. Canadian officials suggested similar long term capital could be mobilized if Poland selects the CANDU option, offering equity investment alongside technical cooperation.
Poland’s energy transition strategy aims to gradually phase down coal, which still accounts for a large share of its electricity generation. Rising carbon costs under European Union climate policies and the need to stabilize long-term power prices have increased pressure to develop low emission baseload capacity. Nuclear energy is viewed by Warsaw as a cornerstone of that shift.
Beyond nuclear cooperation, discussions between Canada and Poland have also touched on liquefied natural gas supplies. Poland has expanded its LNG import capacity in recent years as part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on Russian pipeline gas. Canadian officials noted that LNG cargoes from Canada’s west coast are already being traded globally, with some shipments ultimately reaching European markets through swaps and trading hubs.
The selection process for Poland’s second nuclear plant will likely consider technology performance, financing terms, construction timelines and geopolitical alignment. With multiple international suppliers competing for the contract, the decision carries strategic implications not only for Poland’s energy system but also for transatlantic and European partnerships in the nuclear sector.
As European countries reassess their energy security frameworks in light of recent geopolitical disruptions, large scale infrastructure projects such as Poland’s nuclear expansion are attracting heightened diplomatic and financial engagement from global partners.
