Slovakia is planning a new reactor unit in Jaslovské Bohunice. The American company Westinghouse is slated to supply the technology. The project aims to expand nuclear power and increase energy security in Slovakia. (zeit: 17.01.16)
Agreement in Washington – Slovakia links project to US technology
The US and Slovakia signed an agreement in Washington, D.C., to expand nuclear power. Both sides cite the planned technological shift as a goal. The new reactor will be built at the existing Jaslovské Bohunice site and will be based on US technology.
The reactor unit will remain wholly state-owned, but Westinghouse will assume the role of industrial partner in the project. Bratislava aims to gradually replace Russian technology with this project, as long-term dependencies on suppliers and maintenance are considered a risk.
Energy security as a guiding principle, and quotes set the tone
At the signing ceremony, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke of strengthening European energy security “for decades to come” and linked the project to strategic stability. Slovakia’s acting Prime Minister, Robert Fico, described the agreement as a joint project for the future, citing “security, sustainability, and technological maturity” as benchmarks.
This political framework raises expectations, as the project must precisely manage costs, timelines, and permitting. At the same time, Bratislava wants to establish a reliable electricity supply so that energy security is more than just a buzzword.
Westinghouse, ownership structure, and negotiations since last year
The government in Bratislava has been negotiating with Westinghouse since last year, focusing on the interpretation, timeline, and implementation. The reactor manufacturer is owned by the Canadian uranium producer Cameco and the asset manager Brookfield, which is why the project is also relevant for international investors.
For Slovakia, the industrial aspect is equally important, because a new plant can consolidate orders, supply chains, and expertise at the site. At the same time, a project of this scale increases the pressure to manage the energy mix, while any delay makes financing more expensive.
Nuclear power dominates the energy mix, while Slovakia leads the EU
Nuclear power is already a major player in the country, as Slovakia operates five reactors at two sites. According to data from the International Energy Agency, around 62 percent of electricity generation comes from nuclear power, placing the country second in the EU behind France.
The planned unit in Jaslovské Bohunice is intended to secure this position and stabilize production in the long term. Ultimately, the project will be judged by one criterion: greater security of supply at reasonable costs.
The Jaslovské Bohunice site as a litmus test for energy policy
The Jaslovské Bohunice site is central because infrastructure and operational experience already exist there. Therefore, the decision appears pragmatic, yet its implementation remains challenging.
With this construction project, Slovakia is sending a signal to the EU, linking energy policy with strategic technology selection. Westinghouse must deliver, while the state wants to retain ownership and control to ensure that additional nuclear power actually contributes to energy security.