Poland will be the first country to host a European-designed small modular reactor, with Włocławek named as the primary location, energy minister Miłosz Motyka has announced. The declaration comes as the government pushes ahead with energy transformation despite political divisions over nuclear and renewable power.
Speaking on the Polsat News programme “Najważniejsze pytania” (Most Important Questions), Motyka stressed that Poland’s energy transition must continue regardless of political disagreements. According to the minister, the country is emerging as a European leader in SMR technology, with strong determination and preparation to implement the first reactor.
“When it comes to the European design, it will be implemented first in Poland. The first SMR – we have great determination and preparation for this – should be built in Poland, namely Włocławek, and there will be other locations as well,” Motyka said.
Data centres must fund own power
The minister acknowledged that SMR technology, whilst included in investment plans by state energy companies, does not yet operate on a commercial basis. He noted that a small modular reactor requires a construction site as large as the planned nuclear plant in Choczewo, and the technology is only just beginning to be implemented globally.
Motyka highlighted surging electricity demand driven by digital infrastructure and technology giants building data centres in Poland. He insisted these companies cannot burden the national grid at the expense of ordinary citizens and should develop their own power sources.
“With growing demand for power and energy from data centres that want to locate in Poland, I believe they should take care of their own sources, because I do not agree that large companies investing in data centres, which consume gigantic amounts of energy, should compete with households,” the minister stated, according to Polsat News.
Minister defends renewables, attacks opposition
Defending renewable energy sources, Motyka insisted they play a crucial role in reducing electricity bills for all consumers. He claimed that renewables lower costs including network charges, balancing and profiling expenses.
The energy minister sharply criticised opposition politicians from the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, accusing them of cynicism over their attacks on wind and solar power. He singled out Przemysław Czarnek, who has used the phrase “OZE-sroze” (a derogatory play on words about renewables).
“Those who say ‘OZE-sroze’ today signed an agreement with miners to phase out coal mines. This was not done by the government of the 15 October coalition, but by the PiS government,” Motyka pointed out.
The minister also referenced controversial remarks by Grzegorz Braun, leader of the Confederation of the Polish Crown party, who said at a joint press conference with Germany’s AfD party in October: “I love the smell of Russian gas in the morning.” Motyka warned that calls to return to Nord Stream gas or invest in new coal-fired units would fail economically and attempt to halt Poland’s economic development.
What this means for Poles in Poland
The Włocławek SMR project signals Poland’s commitment to diversifying energy sources beyond the large-scale Choczewo nuclear plant, though commercial operation remains years away. For households, the government’s stance on data centres could prevent electricity price rises caused by tech companies drawing heavily on the national grid. Motyka’s defence of renewables suggests continued support for wind and solar subsidies, which the government argues keep bills lower than reliance on coal or imported gas. Poles should monitor local consultations if they live near proposed SMR sites, including Włocławek. The energy ministry has not announced a construction timeline, but SMR technology typically takes several years from planning to operation. Official updates on Poland’s nuclear programme are available through the Ministry of Climate and Environment and state energy companies PGE and Orlen.
