Slovakia Forges Multi-Billion-Dollar Nuclear Reactor Deal with U.S.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – In a pivotal move set to redefine Slovakia’s energy landscape, populist Prime Minister Robert Fico announced Tuesday a multi-billion-dollar agreement with the United States to construct an additional nuclear reactor. The landmark deal, unveiled during a speech at an annual nuclear conference in the Slovak capital, underscores the nation’s deepening commitment to atomic energy.
New Reactor to Bolster Energy Capacity
The new state-owned reactor is slated for the existing nuclear power plant in Jaslovské Bohunice, located in western Slovakia. It is projected to boast an output exceeding 1,000 megawatts, significantly augmenting the country’s electricity generation capacity. While the exact date for the formal signing of the agreement remains undisclosed, the announcement marks a significant step forward for Slovakia’s energy security strategy.
This latest initiative follows a plan approved by Fico’s government last year, which outlined a 1,200-megawatt nuclear unit at the Jaslovské Bohunice site. That earlier project carried an estimated cost of up to 15 billion euros (approximately $17.5 billion). Initially, the government had intended to select a builder through a public tender, but recent developments have seen direct negotiations with the prominent U.S. company Westinghouse take center stage, culminating in this agreement.
Deepening Reliance on Nuclear Power
Slovakia already has a strong reliance on nuclear power, with its dominant utility Slovenské Elektrárne (Slovak power plants) operating two nuclear units at the Jaslovské Bohunice site. Currently, over 80% of the nation’s electricity is generated by its nuclear facilities, making it one of the most nuclear-dependent countries in Europe. The new reactor is expected to further solidify this energy independence, ensuring a stable and low-carbon power supply for decades to come.
Regional Nuclear Expansion Trend
The move by Bratislava reflects a broader trend of nuclear expansion across Central and Eastern Europe. Neighboring nations are also investing heavily in atomic energy:
- The Czech Republic recently signed a contract with Korea’s KHNP for two new reactors.
- Poland sealed a deal with Westinghouse to develop its first nuclear power plant.
- Further east, Russian energy giant Rosatom is poised to construct two additional reactors in Hungary.
This regional push highlights a shared strategic imperative to secure energy supplies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in the wake of recent geopolitical shifts.
A National Investment for Energy Sovereignty
The new reactor project, fully owned by the Slovak state, represents a significant national investment aimed at ensuring long-term energy stability and sovereignty.
