Canada looks beyond the US as Ottawa targets Poland with nuclear technology, uranium and LNG in major trade push amid global energy uncertainty

Canada is turning to Poland as it looks for new opportunities in energy and infrastructure, with Ottawa pitching nuclear technology, uranium supplies and liquefied natural gas as part of a broader effort to expand trade beyond the United States.

Canadian Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Ottawa has held discussions with Polish officials about potentially helping build the country's second nuclear power plant. Canada is also exploring opportunities to supply LNG to Poland, according to Bloomberg News.

The push comes as Canada seeks to reduce its dependence on the US market at a time when trade relations between the two North American neighbours have become increasingly difficult.

Canada enters Poland’s nuclear race

Poland is preparing to expand its nuclear power programme as it works to reduce its reliance on coal.

Warsaw has already selected US companies Westinghouse Electric and Bechtel to develop the country's first nuclear power plant. The project is part of Poland's long-term plan to replace some of its ageing and carbon-intensive coal generation with nuclear energy.

Canada could now compete with both American and French interests for a role in Poland's next nuclear project, Bloomberg News reported.

Sidhu described the discussions as encouraging after meeting Poland's energy and finance ministers. He said there was strong interest on both sides and expressed optimism that Canada could secure a role in the country's nuclear expansion.

The talks are significant because nuclear power projects involve much more than reactor construction. They can create long-term commercial relationships involving fuel, financing, engineering, equipment and technical services.

Uranium gives Canada another advantage

One of Canada's strongest selling points is its position in the global uranium industry.

Canada is a major producer of uranium and has the natural resources needed to support nuclear power generation over the long term. Sidhu said Ottawa could offer Poland a reliable uranium supply as part of a broader nuclear partnership.

The Canadian government is also considering ways to support financing for a potential Polish nuclear project, according to Bloomberg News.

That combination could make Canada's offer more attractive as Poland weighs the costs and strategic implications of adding another nuclear facility.

For Warsaw, securing dependable nuclear fuel supplies is particularly important because a reactor represents a commitment that can last for decades.

Ottawa also wants to sell LNG to Poland

Canada's energy pitch does not stop at nuclear power.

Ottawa is also looking at opportunities to supply liquefied natural gas to Poland through terminals on the Baltic Sea. Sidhu suggested Canada could potentially use LNG swap arrangements, allowing Canadian gas to reach European markets through existing infrastructure.

The proposal comes as European countries continue to reassess their energy security and supply chains.

Poland has invested heavily in LNG infrastructure as it has sought to diversify its energy imports. Canadian LNG could give Warsaw another potential source of supply while creating a new export market for Canada's growing natural gas industry.

Bloomberg News reported that Sidhu sees Canada's abundant natural resources as an advantage in discussions with Poland.

Trade tensions with Washington reshape Canada’s strategy

The Canadian push into Poland is taking place against the backdrop of worsening trade tensions with the United States.

For decades, the US has been Canada's overwhelmingly dominant trading partner, but Ottawa is now placing greater emphasis on expanding commercial relationships elsewhere.

The strategy reflects concerns that relying too heavily on one major market leaves Canadian businesses exposed when political or trade conditions change.

According to Bloomberg News, Sidhu said uncertainty among major trading partners is encouraging companies and governments to look for relationships they consider more stable.

Poland is an attractive target because it combines strong demand for energy infrastructure with its position as a major economy on NATO's eastern flank.

Canadian companies make a major push in Poland

Sidhu's visit to Poland was not limited to energy discussions.

He also travelled to a defence exhibition in Kielce, leading a Canadian delegation that included more than 200 companies — reportedly the largest Canadian business contingent Ottawa has sent to the event.

The delegation reflects Canada's broader attempt to expand commercial ties with Poland across several sectors rather than relying solely on energy exports.

Defence has become particularly important in Poland, which has significantly increased military spending and equipment purchases in response to security concerns in Europe.

For Canadian companies, deeper ties with Poland could therefore create opportunities in defence, infrastructure, energy and advanced manufacturing.

Why Poland matters to Canada

Poland's energy transition could make it an important market for Canadian companies.

The country has historically relied heavily on coal for electricity, but Warsaw is pursuing a major transformation of its energy system. Nuclear power is expected to play a growing role alongside renewable energy and other sources.

That creates potential opportunities for suppliers capable of providing reactors, fuel, financing and technical expertise.

Canada's pitch also fits with Poland's efforts to strengthen energy security. Nuclear reactors can provide steady electricity generation, while LNG can offer an additional source of imported gas.

For Ottawa, meanwhile, a successful nuclear or LNG deal would represent something larger than a single export contract: it would demonstrate that Canadian companies can build long-term commercial relationships in European markets.

US competition remains a major obstacle

Canada is not entering an empty market.

The US already has a significant position in Poland's nuclear programme after Warsaw selected Westinghouse and Bechtel for its first plant. Washington has also indicated that it expects American companies to secure additional nuclear contracts in the country.

France is another major competitor in Europe's nuclear sector.

That means Canada's potential offer will have to compete on more than reactor technology. Financing, fuel security, project delivery, political relationships and long-term support could all influence Poland's eventual decision.

Bloomberg News reported that Sidhu remains optimistic about Canada's prospects despite the competition.

A new chapter in Canada-Poland trade

Canada's outreach to Poland illustrates how geopolitical tensions are changing global trade patterns.

For Ottawa, reducing exposure to the US means finding markets where Canadian energy, minerals, technology and industrial expertise can gain a foothold.

For Poland, closer economic ties with Canada could provide another source of energy and technology as the country modernises its power system and strengthens its strategic independence.

The outcome of the nuclear discussions remains uncertain, and no final agreement has been announced.

But Canada's approach signals a broader ambition: use its uranium reserves, energy resources and industrial capabilities to build deeper economic relationships in Europe at a time when traditional trade alliances are facing greater uncertainty.

As Poland prepares for its next phase of nuclear development, Canada is positioning itself as a potential partner — and Ottawa clearly sees the country's energy transition as an opportunity to expand Canadian exports well beyond its traditional US market.