Polish and Swedish nuclear regulatory authorities discuss nuclear safety, staffing needs, and oversight of new nuclear technologies
10.09.2026
The development of the nuclear energy sector, the safety of new technologies, workforce training, and the exchange of experiences related to the oversight of nuclear facilities -these were the main topics of the bilateral meeting between experts from the National Atomic Energy Agency and representatives of the Swedish Nuclear Safety Authority (SSM).
For years, the National Atomic Energy Agency has been working closely with its Swedish counterpart—the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM)—in the areas of nuclear safety and radiation protection. Given that both regulatory authorities face similar challenges and derive mutual benefits from their cooperation, Polish-Swedish bilateral meetings are held regularly. This time, a delegation from Sweden, led by Michael Knochenhauer, head of the Swedish nuclear regulatory authority, visited Poland. The Polish delegation was led by Andrzej Głowacki, President of the National Atomic Energy Agency.
The talks between Polish and Swedish experts lasted two days. They focused primarily on exchanging experiences and information regarding the oversight of the nuclear energy sector, which is expanding in both countries. Ensuring the highest safety standards during the preparation, construction, and operation of new nuclear facilities remains a priority.
Sweden currently operates a total of six large-scale nuclear reactors—the country therefore has many years of experience in the oversight of nuclear power plants, though additional new facilities are also possible. Poland is moving forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant, and the PAA plays a key role in the government’s nuclear power program. The agency serves as the regulatory authority for nuclear safety and radiation protection. Like Poland, Sweden is also closely examining small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
Among the most important topics of discussion were updates on the nuclear power programs of both countries, as well as issues related to the regulatory framework and its evolution in the context of the sector’s development and the construction of new facilities.
Due to rapid growth, the Swedish nuclear regulatory authority, like the National Atomic Energy Agency, faces the need to significantly expand its workforce.
Another key topic of discussion was the Polish nuclear regulatory authority’s experience with the operation of research reactors in Poland. Currently, there is one research reactor in operation in the country — the MARIA reactor in Świerk. The Swedes are currently preparing to build a research reactor of their own. An important part of the meeting was therefore a visit by both delegations to the National Center for Nuclear Research in Świerk, where the MARIA research reactor is located.
