IAEA Review Finds Poland Advancing Radioactive Waste Safety as Nuclear Grow

Poland is making steady progress in safely managing radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel, according to a new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) review, as the country accelerates plans to build its first nuclear power plants.

The findings come from a 10-day ARTEMIS peer review mission held in Warsaw from 8–17 March, which assessed Poland's national programme against international safety standards and best practices.

Strong Foundations, but Implementation Gaps Remain

The IAEA-led expert team concluded that Poland has established many key elements required for safe radioactive waste management, including a clear national strategy and long-term planning framework.

However, the review highlighted that stronger implementation measures are now needed to translate policy into practice.

Experts called for:

• Clearer planning objectives and timelines

• Adequate financial and human resources

• Measurable milestones and performance indicators

These steps, the report noted, are essential to ensure accountability and sustain progress as Poland's nuclear programme expands.

Critical Moment as Poland Prepares for Nuclear Power

The review comes at a pivotal time for Poland's energy transition.

Under its Energy Policy to 2040, Poland plans to:

• Launch its first nuclear power plant by 2036

• Deploy three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors

• Reduce heavy reliance on coal while strengthening energy security

The safe management of radioactive waste is a cornerstone of this strategy, particularly as nuclear generation capacity increases.

Existing Infrastructure and Legacy Systems

Poland already operates a range of nuclear and radiation facilities across multiple sectors:

• The MARIA research reactor (active)

• The EWA research reactor (decommissioned)

• Spent fuel storage facilities in Świerk

• The long-running National Radioactive Waste Repository in Różan, operational since the 1960s

In 2023, the government also announced plans for a new near-surface disposal facility to manage future waste from nuclear power plants and legacy materials.

Key Recommendations from the ARTEMIS Mission

The IAEA team outlined several priority actions to strengthen Poland's system:

• Develop a comprehensive set of assumptions for planning, resourcing, and cost estimation in future national plans

• Define a clear timeline for deciding on the introduction of very low-level waste classification

• Expand the roadmap for the new disposal facility, including workforce and skills planning

• Enhance stakeholder engagement in site selection to ensure transparency and adherence to national milestones

These measures are intended to ensure Poland can manage both current waste streams and future volumes from its nuclear programme.

International Endorsement of Poland's Approach

IAEA officials praised Poland's openness and commitment to international scrutiny.

Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Safety and Security, described the country as a leader in Europe:

"Poland continues to set the pace in Europe for safe radioactive waste management… demonstrating a strong commitment to safety and trust in independent international assessment."

Michael Egan, head of the review team, also highlighted the constructive engagement of Polish authorities throughout the mission.

Government Reaffirms Commitment to Safety and Transparency

Poland's Ministry of Environment welcomed the findings, emphasising the importance of maintaining high safety standards and public trust as the nuclear programme advances.

Vice Minister Konrad Wojnarowski stated:

"International peer reviews are essential to strengthening national systems and ensuring alignment with globally recognised safety standards."

Next Steps: Final Report and Continued Oversight

The ARTEMIS mission's final report will be delivered within three months, providing detailed guidance for the next phase of implementation.

As Poland moves closer to becoming a nuclear energy producer, the effectiveness of its radioactive waste strategy will be closely watched—both domestically and internationally.

Balancing Energy Transition with Safety

With nuclear power positioned as a key pillar of Poland's low-carbon transition, the IAEA review underscores a central challenge: ensuring that rapid energy transformation is matched by equally robust safety and waste management systems.

The latest findings suggest Poland is on the right track—but that the next phase will require precision, investment, and sustained oversight to meet the highest global standards.