Construction begins on Poland’s first nuclear power plant site
Bechtel, an American engineering and construction company, has taken charge of the site in Choczewo where Poland’s first nuclear power plant will be constructed. On August 7, 2026, the firm began the first earthworks at the site. This step signals the transition from the planning and design stages into active construction. The project is part of Poland’s plan to strengthen its energy security and develop a modern energy system.
More than 400 workers are already involved in the project, with around a third of them being Polish citizens. As the construction progresses, the number of workers is expected to rise. Initial activities include leveling the land, building about 16 kilometers of temporary roads, and enhancing drainage across the 300-hectare (740-acre) site. These preparations are essential for supporting the plant’s future development.
Local businesses see opportunity
Polish companies are playing a major role in the project. Budimex, one of the country’s largest construction companies, will lead the site preparation work. Over the past year, Bechtel has partnered with several Polish firms, including DORACO and Unihouse, and is continuing to finalize procurement agreements with local suppliers. The project is designed to support the local economy and increase the involvement of domestic companies.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), the national nuclear company, has also signed contracts with over 475 Polish businesses since 2020. Many of these contracts are with companies based in the Pomerania region, where the plant will be built. This shows a clear effort to integrate Polish industry into the project.
To further support the project in Poland, Bechtel has opened a new office in Gdansk. The office is expected to hire around 200 people, with most of them coming from local communities. This hub will bring global engineering and construction expertise together with local talent to manage the nuclear plant construction, which will use the AP1000® reactor design.
Building a foundation for energy independence
Ed Gore, Bechtel’s project director for this initiative, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, teamwork with Polish partners, and delivering a new source of clean energy.
The nuclear power plant will play a key role in Poland’s energy strategy. It will provide a long-term, reliable source of low-carbon electricity. The project is not just a major infrastructure undertaking but also an opportunity to create jobs, boost local industries, and build a lasting energy infrastructure for the country.
As the first phase of site preparation moves forward, the next major steps include building facilities such as construction offices, logistics areas, warehouses, and maintenance zones. These structures are crucial for managing the construction of the plant itself. With Polish and international partners working together, the project is setting a new benchmark for energy development in Poland.
Since 1898, Bechtel has delivered over 25,000 projects in 160 countries, helping communities and governments achieve their infrastructure and energy goals. In the nuclear, energy, and infrastructure sectors, the company brings global expertise to local projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term value.
Bechtel’s involvement in Poland reflects its broader mission to support sustainable development. The company serves energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, and nuclear markets, providing services from planning to operations. Poland’s nuclear project will further showcase Bechtel’s ability to deliver large-scale, technically complex, and socially impactful projects worldwide.
With this milestone achieved, the focus now turns to the next stages of site construction. The cooperation between Bechtel, local companies, and government partners is expected to lead to a successful launch of the plant. The effort highlights Poland’s growing ambitions to modernize its energy system and reduce reliance on imported energy sources.