Westinghouse to Build Poland’s First Nuclear Plant
Westinghouse Electric Co. will build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, according to the Associated Press.
What’s going on: The Central European country “is planning to spend $40 billion to build two nuclear power plants with three reactors each, the last one to be launched in 2043. The deal with the United States and Westinghouse is for the first three reactors of the Pomerania plant, which officials saying should start producing electricity in 2033.”
Why it’s important: Though Poland has for decades sought to replace the power generated by its aging coal-fired plants, geopolitical events of recent months have brought home the need for greater energy security.
- “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine this year and its use of energy to put economic and political pressure on European nations have added urgency to Poland’s search for alternative energy sources.”
- Because the building of the plant would necessitate infrastructure improvements, the project stands to create upward of 100,000 jobs for American workers, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said, according to the article.
In related events: The Westinghouse announcement comes amid news that the annual rate of consumer price inflation in the eurozone reached a record high in October, spiked largely by Russia’s September slashing of gas supplies to Europe.
Sending a message: “‘This announcement also sends a clear message to Russia: We will not let them weaponize energy any longer,’ Granholm said. ‘The West will stand together against this unprovoked aggression, while also diversifying energy supply chains and bolstering climate cooperation.’”