Newcleo signs partnership to develop nuclear reactors in Slovakia

French company Newcleo has signed framework agreements with Slovak companies JAVYS and VUJE. These agreements could lead to the construction of up to four lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs), each with a capacity of 200 MWe, at the Jaslovské Bohunice site.

The agreement with state-owned JAVYS, which manages radioactive waste, envisages the establishment of a joint venture. Its task will be to develop and build a nuclear power plant at the Jaslovské Bohunice V1 nuclear power plant site, with up to four advanced LFR-AS-200 modular reactors.

The agreement also aims to develop a nuclear fuel supply chain with the support of the French government. The long-term plan envisages recycling spent nuclear fuel and achieving a closed fuel cycle.

The framework agreement with engineering company VUJE establishes a basis for technical and commercial cooperation. VUJE will contribute its many years of experience in the construction and commissioning of nuclear power plants. The project is intended to strengthen Slovak nuclear expertise and place the country among the world leaders in deploying advanced nuclear technologies.

The project’s significance for Europe and energy self-sufficiency

Newcleo CEO Stefano Buono highlighted the importance of the cooperation: “This strong state support for our reactor technology and closed fuel cycle demonstrates the significant role that small and advanced modular reactors will play in securing Europe’s energy future. It also provides a model for other European countries, which must now address costly ways of storing spent fuel over the long term. Reusing nuclear fuel will also guarantee Europe hundreds of years of energy independence at competitive and stable prices.”

“We believe that using spent nuclear fuel in advanced reactors such as Newcleo’s LFR offers a more sustainable and responsible solution than simply placing the fuel in deep geological repositories. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of nuclear waste, but also provides a valuable energy source for future generations,” said Peter Gerhart, chairman of JAVYS’s board of directors, commenting on the agreement.

LFR-AS-200 timeline

According to Newcleo’s plan, the first non-nuclear reactor prototype is to be built in Italy by 2026. The first reactor is expected to enter operation in France by the end of 2031. A final investment decision on the first commercial nuclear power plant is expected around 2029.