Natural Resources Minister visits Poland to promote Canada's nuclear expertise

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is in Warsaw to advocate for Canadian nuclear technology, including Candu, as Poland advances plans for a second nuclear power plant; the visit follows a 2025 Nuclear Co-operation Agreement and precedes his attendance at the 2026 IEA ministerial in Paris.

Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson is in Warsaw this week to promote Canadian nuclear technology and to encourage Poland to consider Canadian systems for its second nuclear power plant. The visit is part of a two-day European trip and Mr. Hodgson will also represent Canada at the 2026 International Energy Agency ministerial summit in Paris. Canada and Poland have strengthened ties as Poland pursues a nuclear buildout to reduce dependence on coal and Russian gas. In January 2025 the two countries signed a Nuclear Co-operation Agreement to explore company partnerships and small modular reactor opportunities. Key points: - The article mentions Mr. Hodgson is advocating for Candu Energy Inc., owned by Montreal-based AtkinsRéalis Group, as a Canadian option for Poland's project. - Canada and Poland signed a Nuclear Co-operation Agreement in January 2025 and included nuclear collaboration as a pillar of a strategic partnership later in the year. - The article reports AtkinsRéalis was part of a consortium that won a 2024 contract to build two Candu reactors in Romania, supported by about $3 billion in Canadian export financing administered by Export Development Canada. - The article says Westinghouse Electric Co. has also targeted Poland and reported a 2024 letter of interest for potential EDC financing; it notes Westinghouse is under Canadian ownership but that its technology and supply chain remain U.S.-based, according to the article. - The article notes Candu technology uses unenriched uranium and is an approved reactor in Europe, and it cites past builds and refurbishments, including work at Darlington reported as completed ahead of time and under budget. Summary: The trip highlights Canada's effort to deepen energy ties with Poland as the country seeks to expand its nuclear capacity. Mr. Hodgson is promoting Canadian firms and technology while Canada looks to diversify trade partnerships. He will next attend the IEA ministerial in Paris; the final choice for Poland's second reactor remains undetermined at this time.