Poland is competing to build an AI gigafactory worth around 3 billion euros, the largest ICT investment in the country. The government has secured funding, and the EU tender is about to launch. Partners include the Czech Republic and Lithuania, and a backup plan is in place.
The Polish government is finalising an agreement with Lithuania for the purchase of computing power from the planned AI gigafactory. Talks are also underway with three other European countries. Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs Dariusz Standerski said: – The most important partner is the Czech Republic, where we have good relations and a solid agreement between the governments.
The AI gigafactory is a flagship project for digital infrastructure in the European Union. Seven such facilities are planned across member states, providing computing power for developing, training and deploying AI models. Poland is bidding for a medium-scale gigafactory with at least 75,000 GPUs. The total cost of construction – to be handled by private firms – is estimated at 3 billion euros, with public support of up to 1 billion euros. Half of that support will come from the European Commission as part of the InvestAI initiative, the rest from host countries.
Public funding and energy capacity
On 14 July, the Polish Council of Ministers adopted a resolution guaranteeing funds for the country’s participation in the competition. Krzysztof Szubert, deputy director for commercialisation and international cooperation at the National Institute of Telecommunications, stated: – The funds in the amount of 400 million zlotys in the first phase were required by the European Commission. According to the resolution, Poland will allocate the equivalent of 12.3 million euros in 2028, then 27 million euros annually from 2029 to 2032, and 15 million euros in 2033.
Currently, Poland has about 100 data centres with a combined capacity of 200-220 megawatts. The planned gigafactory alone will require 100-120 megawatts. Arkadiusz Dorynek from the National Institute of Telecommunications commented: – The gigafactory will not destabilise the energy system. Energy is available, especially in the north of Poland, where wind farms have been expanded. In Choczewo, a data centre with connection conditions for 800 megawatts (with potential expansion to 3.2 gigawatts) is planned – far exceeding the gigafactory’s needs.
Backup plan and digital sovereignty
Deputy Minister Standerski noted that if the gigafactory project does not materialise in Poland, the country will continue with smaller projects. – Particularly in northern Poland, there is great readiness to invest in data centres due to energy resources. Western Pomerania produces 22 percent more energy than it consumes – he pointed out. The gigafactory fits into Poland’s pursuit of digital sovereignty, but it is not the only option.
The EU tender for seven AI gigafactories is expected to be announced in the coming days and will last 15 weeks. Services must start no later than 18 months after signing the construction contract. If contracts are signed in early 2027, the gigafactory should begin operations by July 2028, gradually reaching full computing capacity. The rules allow for multiple locations, but at least one must achieve the target of 75,000 GPUs.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Ministerstwo Cyfryzacji / Instytut Łączności
