Six Polish engineering companies have entered the final stage of the supplier qualification programme for Poland's first nuclear power plant, marking another milestone in the development of the country's domestic nuclear supply chain, according to the national nuclear plants enterprise Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ).

Marek Woszczyk, President of PEJ, stressed that the country's first nuclear project represents not only a strategic energy investment but also a unique opportunity to build long-term industrial capabilities in Poland.

"The fact that more Polish companies have reached a level where they can compete for some of the most demanding contracts in the global nuclear industry is extremely encouraging. Entering the third and final qualification stage demonstrates that Polish manufacturers are successfully developing their expertise, investing in quality and adapting to the highest standards of the nuclear sector."

The companies advancing to the final stage are FAMAK S.A., Zakład Konstrukcji Spawanych Ferrum, Mostostal Kielce, Mostostal Siedlce, Mostostal Kraków and Energomontaż-Północ Gdynia (EPG).

During the second phase, the companies developed quality management systems compliant with the ASME NQA-1 (Nuclear Quality Assurance-1) standard, one of the key prerequisites for supplying components, services and construction work for projects based on the AP1000 reactor technology.

The completed phase focused on moving from quality system development to practical manufacturing readiness. Companies prepared production procedures, workshop documentation and manufacturing plans, while also qualifying non-destructive testing (NDT/NDE) specialists, welding personnel and internal process auditors. They additionally implemented production scheduling and progress-monitoring systems required by nuclear industry standards.

Mirosław Kowalik, President of Westinghouse Electric Company in Poland, praised the pace at which Polish manufacturers have adapted to the sector's demanding requirements.

"We are impressed by how quickly Polish companies are strengthening their quality assurance systems and building the capabilities required of suppliers to the nuclear industry. Their progress demonstrates strong potential not only to participate in Poland's first nuclear power project but also to compete in global nuclear supply chains."

He added that the rapid global expansion of nuclear energy—driven in part by growing demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity from new data centres—creates significant opportunities for qualified suppliers. Since establishing its presence in Poland, Westinghouse has focused on maximising local content and supporting workforce development for the country's emerging nuclear sector.

The third and final qualification phase will test each company's manufacturing capability through the production of representative mock-up modules using technical documentation, production procedures and quality systems developed during the earlier stages. These demonstration components will undergo comprehensive quality inspections to verify compliance with ASME NQA-1 requirements.

Successful completion of the process will allow the companies to qualify for contracts associated with the construction of the nuclear power plant at Lubiatowo-Kopalino, as well as future projects within the global AP1000 supply chain.

Seven Polish companies are currently participating in Westinghouse's qualification programme. While six have progressed to the final stage, ZBUD of Dąbrowa Tarnowska joined the programme in April. The company manufactures specialised lifting equipment that could potentially be used for the Polar Crane installed within the nuclear island.

Expanding the pool of qualified domestic suppliers forms part of PEJ's broader strategy to maximise Polish participation in the country's first nuclear power project. The company continues to work closely with industry by publishing procurement plans, organising supplier engagement events and helping Polish businesses meet the stringent technical and quality standards required by the global nuclear industry.