PM: Construction Part of New Nuclear Unit also Belongs in Hands of Slovak Firms

Bratislava, 28 January (TASR) - The construction of a nuclear power plant always involves several stages, Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) told a press conference on Wednesday, adding that companies operating in Slovakia should also participate in the construction of the planned new nuclear unit at Jaslovske Bohunice (Trnava region). The construction of the reactor is expected to involve cooperation between the United States and South Korea. There are also parts in which a French company may participate. "We want to discuss all of this when preparing the final contract, which we'd like to sign by the end of 2027," he stated, noting that the recent signing of an intergovernmental agreement on nuclear cooperation with the United States didn't result in a decision on who will supply the new reactor. If Slovakia enters into cooperation with American company Westinghouse, which according to the premier is currently under discussion, this company must be the leader of any consortium. "I expect this issue to be discussed tomorrow with the French president [Emmanuel Macron], and I'll say that it's a matter of agreement," he stated, reiterating that the planned new nuclear unit at Jaslovske Bohunice should be wholly owned by the state. On 16 January, US Energy Secretary Christopher A. Wright and Slovak Prime Minister Fico signed an intergovernmental agreement on expanding cooperation in the field of Slovakia's civil nuclear programme. According to Fico, the agreement opens the door to negotiations on supplies of American nuclear technology to Slovakia with the aim of building and commissioning a completely new 1,200-megawatt nuclear power plant in 2040-2041 on the site of the current nuclear power plant at Jaslovske Bohunice. am/df