Poland keeps faith in nuclear power

photo - glowimages com

The report is released as delegates from across the globe take part in the 19th UN Climate Change Conference (COP19) in Warsaw.

Poland was scheduled to build a nuclear power plant by 2023, although the project has stalled, while the location of the enterprise itself has not been confirmed, with suggested sites proving controversial.

Former Treasury Minister Mikolaj Budzanowski had indicated in February that the government was unable to fund a nuclear power plant.

Likewise, Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed in September that “the future of Polish energy is in brown and black coal, as well as shale gas.

“Poland's economy will continue to be based on coal, but in a more modern way,” he said, adding that Warsaw would reduce CO2 emissions, in line with EU targets, with the aid of new technology.

At present, about 90 percent of Poland's electricity is generated by coal.

However, the new report insisted that “the cheapest way to reduce emission growth is the construction of nuclear power plants.”

State-owned power company Polska Grupa Energetyczna (PGE) has been leading a campaign over the last year aimed at convincing Poles living near proposed power plant sites that the venture will be beneficial.

Three locations on the Baltic coast have been under consideration: Zarnowiec, Gaski and Choczewo.

Another site was dropped last year when the inhabitants of Mielno voted overwhelmingly against the idea in a local referendum (94 percent were opposed to the construction proposal). (nh)

Source: Reuters