„Small Modular Reactors“ – first EIA in Poland started

2024-03-24

The first environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures for the so-called Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in the EU started in Poland in the fall of 2023. As of November 2023, three EIA procedures were ongoing. This procedure covers the construction and operation of up to four SMRs with BWRX-300 technology and a total output of up to 1,300 MWe at the Stawy Monowskie site in the municipality of Oświęcim – not so small at all.

The current EIA procedures for the Polish SMR are at the scoping stage. Neither the Polish nor the Austrian public could submit comments at this stage of the procedure, whereas the Czech public had this possibility; this might be violating the Espoo Convention.

For the first procedure, we submitted a statement that was signed by 23 concerned NGOs from Europe but also USA.

Find more information in an expert statement commissioned by the Viennese Environmental Ombudsman (in German, with English and Polish summary).

We also submitted a statement for the 2nd and 3rd EIA procedure.