Slovakia and South Korea discuss cooperation on new nuclear project

Slovakia is holding talks with South Korea, the US and France about potential cooperation on the construction of a new nuclear unit at Jaslovské Bohunice. The Slovak government has set a goal of preparing detailed proposals for the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear reactor by October.

Last week, the government approved the construction plan and asked the Ministry of Finance to prepare the project documentation by the end of October. The plan was approved at a cabinet meeting held last Wednesday, shortly before the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Robert Fico. The assassination attempt raised concerns about the country's political stability, but the government is continuing to plan strategic projects.

Expanding bilateral cooperation with South Korea

Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár visited South Korea last week, where he met with his counterpart Cho Tae-yul. The talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation to the level of a strategic partnership.

"Our discussions with our South Korean partners also covered the use of nuclear energy, which both countries see as having great potential," Blanár said.

South Korea has extensive experience in planning, building and operating nuclear power plants, which Slovakia values, and welcomes further talks and consultations.

Slovakia currently operates five nuclear reactors at the Mochovce and Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plants (EMO 1-3 and EBO 3,4), which supply half of the country's electricity consumption. The fourth unit at Mochovce has been under construction since 1987.

Plans for a new reactor at Bohunice

In February last year, Jadrová energetická spoločnosť Slovenska (JESS) applied for a siting permit for a new nuclear power plant near the site of the existing plant at Jaslovské Bohunice.

"As part of the preparatory phase and in accordance with the approved business plan for the New Nuclear Source (NJZ) project for 2022–2025, we have prepared the documentation required to apply for a siting permit for a nuclear facility," the company said. JESS plans to apply for a construction permit at the end of 2025 and begin construction in 2031.

JESS a.s. is a joint venture between Slovakia's Nuclear and Decommissioning Company (JAVYS), which owns a 51% stake, and Czech energy group ČEZ (49%). The company was established in December 2009 with the aim of building and operating a new nuclear power plant at Jaslovské Bohunice.

International cooperation on nuclear projects

JAVYS signed a framework cooperation agreement with French company EDF in August last year and a memorandum of understanding with US company Westinghouse a month earlier. Both documents cover potential projects involving large nuclear reactors as well as small modular reactors. Finance Minister Denisa Saková said a tender would be called for a supplier for the new unit, with Russia's Rosatom barred from bidding.