Bechtel has assumed responsibility for managing the site of Poland’s first nuclear power plant as the project moves from planning, permitting and design into large-scale site preparation and construction activities. The handover from Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe, or PEJ, coincides with the start of earthworks at the future plant site in Choczewo.
As site manager, Bechtel will oversee construction activities, coordinate contractors, supervise ongoing work and maintain safety performance across the project.
More than 400 people are already working on the project, with approximately one-third hired in Poland. The workforce is expected to grow as construction activity accelerates.
The project will become Poland’s first AP1000 nuclear power plant and is intended to strengthen the country’s long-term energy security while creating opportunities for domestic workers and suppliers.
Initial earthworks across the approximately 300-hectare, or 740-acre, site will include grading and leveling, drainage system upgrades and the construction of approximately 16 kilometers of temporary roads.
Additional preparation will create areas for construction offices, logistics facilities, warehouses, equipment maintenance operations and other infrastructure required to support the project.
Polish construction company Budimex will carry out the site preparation activities.
The contract expands the participation of Polish companies in the nuclear project. Over the past year, Bechtel has also signed agreements with Polish firms including DORACO and Unihouse and is continuing additional procurement processes.
PEJ has separately awarded contracts to approximately 475 Polish businesses since 2020, including dozens based in the Pomerania region.
Bechtel is also expanding its workforce and physical presence in Poland to support the project.
The company recently opened an office in Gdansk that is expected to employ approximately 200 people as work progresses, with the majority of employees expected to be hired locally.
The office will serve as a hub connecting Bechtel’s global nuclear engineering and construction capabilities with Polish employees and suppliers supporting delivery of the AP1000 plant.
Bechtel said assuming control of the construction site and beginning permanent plant work represent important steps toward the next stage of project execution.
The nuclear plant is expected to support Poland’s efforts to build a more secure and reliable energy system while expanding domestic industrial participation and providing a new source of carbon-free electricity.
KEY QUOTE:
“As we assume responsibility for the site and begin the first permanent plant work, with the initial earthworks contract, we are focused on safely advancing the project, working closely with our Polish partners, and creating the platform for the next phase of work that will ultimately deliver a new source of reliable, carbon-free energy for Poland.”
Ed Gore, Project Director at Bechtel
