Slovakia looks to nuclear for its future power needs

Another large plant is planned, while sites for small modular reactors are being explored.

By: sme.sk

Aug 21 2024
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Slovakia looks to nuclear for

In the next 15-20 years, experts have forecast Slovakia will need 15-30 TWh more electricity per year than it currently generates, as industry, heating and transport is decarbonised. This would call for a potential doubling of production from current levels of 30 TWh.

To achieve this goal, Slovakia plans to harness wind, sun and water power, but also to build new nuclear plants.

This comes at a time when nuclear power is already playing a greater role in Slovak energy production.

The completion of the fourth reactor at the Mochovce nuclear plant – expected next year – will mean Slovakia can cover as much as 75 percent of its national energy consumption from nuclear power.

Electricity in Slovakia

Last year, Slovakia consumed 26.5 TWh of electricity, which was 6.4 percent less than in 2022 and 14 percent less than in 2021. It is also the lowest figure in three decades – the last time Slovakia consumed less electricity was in 1994 (25.2 TWh), according to data from the Slovak Electricity Transmission System (SEPS), the state-owned joint-stock company responsible for the operation of the transmission system.

Electricity production rose significantly year-on-year last year to 29.9 TWh, mainly thanks to the launch of the third reactor of the Mochovce nuclear power. Slovenské Elektrárne’s five reactors generated almost two-thirds (18.3 TWh) of the total. Although total production lagged the 2021 figure (30.1 TWh), combined with low consumption it meant Slovakia became a net exporter of electricity for the first time in years.