Cyber security, supply chain security system, competence building, regulatory area, as well as specialized projects dedicated to nuclear energy – these are the main fields of cooperation between Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ), the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and the Research and Academic Computer Network – National Research Institute (NASK-PIB). A letter of intent establishing the cooperation was signed on 24 October 2025.

“The project to develop and build a Polish nuclear power plant is the first of a kind and requires cooperation with renowned centers of expertise in the context of both meeting the highest technical standards and a comprehensive and resilient system to protect the infrastructure from digital threats. The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) and the Research and Academic Computer Network (NASK) are recognized state institutions with qualified staff, relevant experience and unique competencies in nuclear power and cyber security. I believe this cooperation will bring tangible results both for the strategic national project and for all parties involved,” said Marek Woszczyk, President of the Management Board of Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe.

Cooperation between PEJ, NASK-PIB and NCBJ will cover, among other things, support in the development and modification of cybersecurity policies and implementation of programs to raise the level of ICT security. Elements requiring special oversight in the procurement process are also to be identified jointly, and procedural and technical solutions are to be implemented to ensure a sufficiently high level of security.

The joint effort will also cover the supply chain security system focusing on the preparation of guidelines for development, implementation and maintenance of a comprehensive system for evaluation and approval of suppliers, products, services, and management systems. Recommendations will also be developed for the processes of admitting, screening and granting access to entities to the system.

“Nuclear power is crucial for building Poland’s energy security. This landmark project is one of the largest for the coming years. And the challenges in the area of nuclear cyber security are also of a great scale. They require the highest level of competence. I am glad that NASK will participate in this project. First of all, this attests to the professionalism of experts from NASK and our side. Secondly, this might sound like a boast, but I see it as a guarantee that this project, so important for our country, will have the best possible cyber protection. We know how important that is with the ongoing hybrid war, and I am confident that NASK will deliver on that,” stressed Radosław Nielek, PhD Eng., Director of the Research and Academic Computer Network – National Research Institute (NASK-PIB).

Cooperation in the nuclear field, in turn, will cover, among other things, development of solutions for transport and storage of radioactive materials, radiation monitoring systems, and personal protective equipment, as well as preparation of strategies for nuclear fuel or radioactive waste management.

Areas of cooperation will also include Competency building. It is to be based on organization of training and information and education programs for local entrepreneurs, as well as conducting specialized training for PEJ employees, including study visits to research infrastructure facilities. Practical solutions to Nuclear Safety Culture based on the guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and other international organizations will also be promoted and implemented.

“Cooperation with Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe and NASK-PIB is an important step toward building a comprehensive, integrated security ecosystem for Poland’s nuclear power program. The National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ), being Poland’s largest scientific and research center in the area of nuclear energy, has for years combined scientific research with practical support for industry and public administration. Together with our partners, we will work on solutions to ensure the highest level of technological, operational and cyber security throughout the life cycle of nuclear power plants – from design, through construction, to operation and radioactive waste management,” said Jakub Kupecki, Professor PhD Eng., Director of NCBJ.

The signed letter of intent is another step for Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe towards building a broad network of cooperation with leading centers of competence at home and abroad. Joint activities of the signatories will be one of the pillars of preparation for the construction of Poland’s first nuclear power plant, as well as development of further nuclear projects in the coming decades.