Third session of the Preparatory Committee for the 2015 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference in New York

Statement by Ambassador Ryszard Sarkowicz 

Mr. Chairman, 

Since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor I would like to express our full support and confidence that Poland has in your work, Excellency, as the Chair of this session. 

Let mi also say that Poland fully associates itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union. At the same time, using this opportunity, I would like to make some additional remarks on the current implementation of the Action Plan on Nuclear Safety in Poland, in the context of recent decisions taken by the Polish Government. 

Mr. Chairman, 

In January this year, the Government of Poland adopted the resolution on the Polish Nuclear Power Program (PNPP) prepared by the Minister of Economy. The program contains the scope of the measures to be taken to safely use nuclear power in Poland. 

The program defines, among others, the schedule for the construction of two nuclear power plants and the preparation of the regulatory and organizational infrastructure for these investments. The document describes the roles and responsibilities of all the institutions responsible for the implementation of the Program, as well as, some issues related to nuclear safety and radiological protection. The Program also includes: economic justification for the implementation of the nuclear power in Poland and its funding and financing, as well as the ways of dealing with spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. 

Adoption of the PNPP means the beginning of a long process. The implementation of the nuclear power does not only mean nuclear power plant construction and the adding of the energy from nuclear power plants to the Polish energy mix. It is an impulse for the economic, social and regional development. The highest requirements and standards for nuclear power will have a positive impact on the technical culture development of the Polish power sector and industry as a whole. With the construction of necessary scientific and industrial facilities the new industry will be developed in which specialists with the highest qualifications will find employment. 

According to the IAEA’s documents, the introduction of nuclear power requires 10 to 15 years of preparatory work, including the construction of the first plant itself. In case of Poland, for the implementation of nuclear power it is necessary to build almost the entire infrastructure necessary for the development and operation of nuclear power (legal, organizational, institutional, scientific and research, personnel training system). 

Mr. Chairman, 

With these remarks my delegation takes note of the report on Progress in the Implementation of the IAEA Action Plan on Nuclear Safety.

Thank you.