Slovakia evaluates U.S. technology for planned 1.2 GW nuclear project

As the world grapples with the inevitable transition away from the fossil fuel sector towards renewable energy projects, reports have emerged that Slovakia has evaluated certain U.S. technologies for a planned 1.2 GW nuclear project. While some countries across the world still rely heavily on the traditional energy generation that gas and coal provide, several nations have turned to nuclear power to meet the increase in energy demand while enabling energy independence to become a reality.

The death of the traditional oil and gas sector is coming sooner than you might expect

In a move that aligns with the global call for a transition to the renewable energy sector, Slovakia is exploring U.S. technology for a planned nuclear project. Slovakia is among the nations that produce more than half of their energy from nuclear sites dotted around the landscape.

According to reports, Slovakia has signed a memorandum of understanding that “aims to combine the strengths of both companies and analyze the possibilities of investment, licensing and joint development of SMR projects in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and other European countries. The memorandum also creates space for the development of regional supply chains and strengthening energy security”.

Slovakia’s leadership has praised the MOU signed between Slovenské elektrárne and Synthos Green Energy

Slovenské elektrárne and Synthos Green Energy are the two companies that have signed on to the MOU, and one of the companies’ CEO made a statement regarding their plans.

“We see small modular reactors as a promising option for future stable, safe and emission-free electricity production. The partnership with Synthos Green Energy will allow us to analyse the state-of-the-art SMR BWRX-300 technology in detail and to assess its potential for Slovakia in a qualified manner. In addition, we want to utilise our many years of know-how from the construction and operation of nuclear power plants to support the development of SMR in our region.” – Branislav Strýček, Chairman and CEO of Slovenske elektrárn

The government has approved a deal with the United States to build a nuclear reactor in western Slovakia

The Slovakian government has approved a deal with the United States to build a new nuclear reactor at the existing Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear power plant. The reactor will feature a 1 GW capacity and will be completely state-owned.

“Another important piece of news, dear friends, is that the European Commission has positively assessed the content of the draft agreement between the governments of the Slovak Republic and the USA on cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. Such inter-state agreements with a country that is not a member of the European Union and on the topic of cooperation in nuclear energy must, according to the internal rules of the European Union, undergo assessment at the level of the European Commission” – Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico

As the nuclear sector’s prominence in the energy industry grows, several nations have reached crucial milestones that elevate the standing of the nuclear sector well beyond what was previously thought possible.

Slovakia could become a leader in the European adoption of nuclear power as the dominant energy source

Slovakia is perfectly positioned to become a leader on the European continent as the region embraces the potential of nuclear power. Belgium has jumped on board the nuclear bandwagon too, with a repository waste site being built in Dessel. The world needs to fast-track the adoption and implementation of renewable energy projects that redefine the energy market entirely. Nuclear has been with us for a long time, and only recently has it begun to show its full potential in powering the world. Through its agreement with the U.S., Slovakia has taken a step in the right direction.