Clifford Chance Advises Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe on Engineering Development Agreement with Westinghouse and Bechtel.
Global law firm Clifford Chance has played a key advisory role in the signing of a landmark Engineering Development Agreement (EDA) between Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) and a U.S. consortium led by Westinghouse and Bechtel, paving the way for the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant.
The agreement, finalized this week, secures the framework for continued collaboration and outlines the engineering and project responsibilities necessary to move the historic energy project forward.
With construction plans centered on Westinghouse’s AP1000® reactor technology, the deal is seen as a cornerstone of Poland’s long-term energy independence strategy.
“We have developed an agreement based on solid foundations, a well-thought-out structure and a clear division of responsibilities. The agreement signed today is a platform for further cooperation and an example of mutually beneficial compromise.
It maintains the highest technological and safety standards, while ensuring reasonable costs and responsible risk and schedule management. I am convinced that together with our American partners we are consistently moving closer to concluding a final agreement for the construction of this power plant,” said Piotr Piela, acting President of PEJ.
A Strategic Shift Toward Energy Security
The agreement reflects Poland’s growing commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Once completed, the plant is expected to provide reliable, low-carbon energy while boosting both the Polish and American economies.
“This agreement underscores the importance of the U.S.-Poland partnership, as we cooperatively work to strengthen the energy security of Poland and the region through this historic project,” said Dan Sumner, Interim CEO of Westinghouse.
“Not only will the proven, advanced AP1000 reactor provide abundant and reliable energy to Poland, it will bring billions of zlotys to Poland’s economy and create thousands of jobs in both countries during construction and plant operation. We look forward to a continued strong relationship for many decades to come.”
So far, the project has engaged more than 700 Polish suppliers through a series of symposia held across the country, with a strong emphasis on local hiring and participation in the nuclear supply chain.
Craig Albert, President and COO of Bechtel, called the project “a long-term investment in Poland’s energy security and economic future,” adding that Bechtel remains “deeply committed to working alongside local communities, businesses, and partners.”
Clifford Chance advised PEJ on all legal aspects of the agreement, with Partner Daniel Kopania and Counsel Professor Piotr Bogdanowicz leading the team.
They were supported by Senior Associate Katarzyna Pączek and Associates Maria Janiak and Jan Staszak, who played key roles in drafting and structuring the EDA.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) is a state-owned company leading the development of Poland’s first nuclear power plant. Established in 2021, PEJ is responsible for implementing the country’s nuclear energy program to boost energy security and reduce carbon emissions. Its flagship project is located in Lubiatowo-Kopalino, with support from international partners including Westinghouse and Bechtel.
Clifford Chance is a global law firm with over a century of history and a presence in 23 countries through 34 offices. A member of the prestigious Magic Circle, the firm is recognized for its deep expertise in banking, corporate law, finance, dispute resolution, and tax.
It advises a broad spectrum of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, governments, and not-for-profits by combining international best practices with local market insight. Known for its collaborative culture and forward-thinking approach, Clifford Chance delivers innovative, high-quality legal solutions across every major industry and sector.
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