Slovakia Set to Become World's Most Nuclear-Powered Nation

Unit 4 of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant has received a final operating licence from Slovakia's Nuclear Regulatory Authority, allowing fuel loading to begin and marking the start of the reactor commissioning process.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference attended by Slovenské elektrárne CEO Branislav Strycek, Prime Minister Robert Fico, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Nuclear Regulatory Authority Chair Marta Ziakova.

Strycek said that once Unit 4 enters commercial operation, nuclear power will account for 77.5% of Slovakia's electricity generation, allowing the country to overtake France as the world's most nuclear-dependent electricity producer.

Total electricity generation is expected to increase to 37 terawatt-hours (TWh). With domestic consumption currently at around 28 TWh, Slovakia is set to become a significant net exporter of electricity.

Fico said completing Units 3 and 4 at Mochovce cost €6.7 bn, describing the project as exceptionally cost-effective. He added that Slovakia's planned new nuclear reactor will have around 20% greater capacity than the upgraded Mochovce units, whose output will increase from 470 to 500 megawatts. The new reactor is expected to cost between €12 bn and €15 bn.

(tasr, max)