Slovenia confirms suitability of EDF and Westinghouse reactors for its new nuclear unit

The new Slovenian nuclear unit at the Krško power plant could feature a pressurized water reactor from EDF or Westinghouse. A feasibility study found that the EPR and AP1000 pressurized water reactors are suitable for the selected site. Despite cancelling a referendum on the construction of a new nuclear power source, Slovenia is continuing preparations for the project. The current plan envisages a final investment decision in 2029. Construction is expected to begin in 2033, with the unit entering operation eight years later.

Slovenian energy company GEN Energija published the results of a technical feasibility analysis of two reactor types for a new unit at the Krško nuclear power plant (JEK2). Specifically, the company commissioned an analysis of the French EPR1200 reactor from EDF and the US AP1000 reactor from Westinghouse. In both cases, the country is planning for the pressurized water reactor to have a service life of at least 60 years, with the option of extending it to 80 years.

"Both reactor designs, the EPR or EPR1200 offered by EDF and the AP1000 from Westinghouse, have been shown to be technically feasible for the site," GEN Energija said through the JEK2 project.

The technical studies were prepared by the prospective suppliers themselves, after which JEK2 experts reviewed and summarized them. The findings confirm that a new reactor can be safely and efficiently sited at the existing power plant, while meeting requirements for protection against flooding and earthquakes.

Both the US and French units include plans for a cooling tower 180 and 195 metres high, respectively, so that cooling is not dependent on water levels in the Sava River. South Korea's KHNP was initially expected to enter the competition for the new Slovenian unit, but withdrew from the project.

Power generation to begin in at least 15 years

Slovenia has been actively working to expand the Krško power plant with one or two new units since 2022. According to the prime minister's original statements, a referendum was to decide the project's future. However, the government cancelled the referendum shortly before it was due to take place in November 2024.

The expected investment decision has now been pushed back from 2028 to 2029 in the newly published plans. GEN Energija expects official construction to begin in 2033, with the unit reaching commercial operation in 2041.

"The project will bring benefits to the region and the wider economy: integrating domestic companies into supply chains, creating new jobs, modernizing infrastructure and developing services, all of which will help retain residents and attract specialists," GEN Energija said, listing the project's benefits.

Slovenia currently operates a single 696 MW (net) nuclear unit at the Krško power plant. It shares ownership with neighbouring Croatia; when the plant entered service in 1983, both countries were part of the former Yugoslavia. In 2015, the operator extended the plant's service life from 40 to 60 years.