Slovenské elektrárne, a.s., has launched hot hydro test of Unit 4 of Mochovce nuclear power plant. The largest electricity producer in Slovakia will perform pressure and tightness tests of the primary circuit and reactor, functional tests of primary and secondary circuit equipment, safety systems, ventilation systems, electrical and I&C system.
"Mochovce 4 has passed through significant milestones – cold hydro test and small revision. With the hot hydro test, we are in the next stage of the inactive testing programme. Our goal is to load nuclear fuel into the reactor this year once all the necessary tests and revisions have been carried out, so that we can generate more electricity reliably and without direct CO2 emissions."
Branislav Strýček, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of Slovenské elektrárne
Mochovce 4 has already undergone cold hydro-test and subsequently small revision of the primary circuit equipment. During the cold hydro test, the primary circuit was heated up to 130 °C and pressurised up to 13.7 MPa, which is more than 111 % of the operating pressure. In addition to steam generators, Slovenské elektrárne also tested feedwater and live steam at the pressures of up to 7.65 MPa, or 166 % of the operating pressure.
"The project is progressing according to the schedule approved by the shareholders, which is due to the professionalism and commitment of the project team."
Richard Green, Project Director of Mochovce 3&4
Both Unit 3 and Unit 4 at Mochovce have the installed capacity of 471 MW and together will cover approximately 26 % of electricity demand in Slovakia.
With over a 70 % share of the total electricity produced in Slovakia, Slovenské elektrárne is the largest power generating company in the country. After shutting down its last coal-fired power plant at the end of the first quarter of 2024, Slovenské elektrárne now produces electricity free of direct CO2 emissions, operating 5 nuclear units, 31 hydroelectric and 2 photovoltaic power plants.
The company's commitment to producing electricity from low carbon sources positions it as a leader in sustainable energy production in Central and Eastern Europe. The company has been included three times in the prestigious Europe's Climate Leaders index, prepared since 2021 by the Financial Times and Statista.
Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. has two shareholders. The majority shareholder is Slovak Power Holding B.V. (SPH), owning a 66%. In SPH, 50% of the share capital is owned by the Czech energy group Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH), and the remaining 50% is owned by Italy's largest electric company Enel. Slovak government controls 34% of SE.
In December 2024, Enel and EPH signed an agreement through which EPH, as foreseen by the “early call option”, will purchase the 50% of the share capital, currently held by Enel in SPH. The closing of the transaction, expected to occur in the first half of 2025, is subject to certain conditions precedent, including regulatory approvals.
