Slovakia Approves Proposal to Construct Additional Nuclear Reactor
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia — The government of Slovakia has given its approval for the construction of a new nuclear reactor, a move aimed at bolstering the country's reliance on nuclear power generation.
The proposed reactor, which is expected to have a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, will be located at the Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear plant. The plant currently operates two nuclear units under the management of Slovenske Elektrarne. The final details of the project are set to be worked out by the ministers of finance and economy by the end of October. Economy Minister Denisa Sakova has clarified that Russian energy giant Rosatom will not be permitted to participate in any potential tender for the construction of the reactor.
The decision to build the new reactor comes as Slovakia's government, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, aims to increase the country's nuclear power capacity. Currently, Slovakia generates over 50% of its electricity from its two existing nuclear plants.
This move aligns with the broader trend of nuclear expansion in Central and Eastern Europe. For instance, the Czech Republic is also planning to build up to four new nuclear reactors, with French state nuclear giant EDF and Korea's KHNP being the two contenders for the project. Additionally, Poland has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to construct its first nuclear power plant, while Rosatom has been selected to build Hungary's fifth and sixth reactors.