The agreement with the American company Westinghouse is a result of an international tender for supply of nuclear fuel and related services in the entire supplier chain for nuclear fuel production. The aim of the agreement is a diversification of nuclear fuel supplies for the power plants of VVER 440 design in Slovakia.
“Securing another nuclear fuel supplier for our power plants is an important step in strengthening Slovakia’ energy security. Nuclear power plants represent an important pillar in our country's energy mix, therefore I consider it to be crucial to secure nuclear fuel supply diversification for their stable operation.”
Branislav Strýček, General Director of Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.
The fuel, which will be supplied by the Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB company, must first pass the licencing process, i.e. process of approving its use in the conditions of reactors at Slovenské elektrárne, where it must be proven that its use would be safe.
We expect the first fuel deliveries for our reactors of VVER 440 design that are the subject of the agreement with Westinghouse, approximately one year after having them approved for use in compliance with the applicable legal regulations in the Slovak Republic.
The corner-stone of the diversification strategy of Slovenské elektrárne is to support any initiative and cooperation in order have a portfolio of at least two alternative nuclear fuel suppliers and several potential suppliers of materials and services across the entire supplier chain for nuclear fuel production. Therefore, Slovenské elektrárne have actively joined all initiatives aimed at gradual diversification of fuel supplies for VVER 440.
“We are very pleased to contribute to Slovakia’s fuel diversification and to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Slovenské elektrárne. We offer the only Western alternative fuel for this type of reactor and remain fully committed to supporting Slovakia’s operating fleet.”
Tarik Choho, Westinghouse President of Nuclear Fuel
The American company Westinghouse has more than 60 years of experience in nuclear power industry, its technology is a foundation of half of all nuclear power plants all over the world. Westinghouse has been providing services for several years for VVER reactors, until now, particularly for VVER 1000 design.
In Slovakia, nuclear power plants generate almost 16 million MWh of electricity annually, representing approximately 59% of the total electricity generation. They are the basis of the country’s electricity system. This share will increase significantly after commissioning of the two new units at Mochovce NPP and after terminating generation from brown coal at Nováky Power Plant at the end of the year 2023.
Slovenské elektrárne generate 70% of all the electricity generated in the territory of Slovakia. Thanks to nuclear and hydropower plants, the low-carbon sources account for up to 95% share in electricity supplied by Slovenské elektrárne, making the company a significant contributor to environmental protection. Financial Times has included Slovenské elektrárne several times into the list of Europe's Climate Leaders.
