Slovenia’s state-owned power company, GEN energija, and the Milan Vidmar Electrical Institute (EMV – Elektroinštitut Milan Vidmar) have presented new studies and internal economic calculations related to the JEK2 nuclear new build project. Slovenia plans to build a new nuclear plant (Krško-II) adjacent to the existing NPP, a 696 MWe pressurised water reactor co-owned by neighbouring Croatia. The plant generates about a third of the Slovenia’s electricity. Krško-II, the JEK2 project, would have up to 2400 MWe capacity. The project will be subject of a referendum later this year.
A nuclear power plant with a pressurised water reactor (PWR), similar to the existing unit operated by Slovenian nuclear utility Nuklearna Elektrarna Krško (NEK). The reason for the use of pressurised water technology is the knowledge and experience that NEK and scientific institutions have accumulated over the last 40 years, both in terms of operation and administrative control. In October, GEN energija CEO Dejan Paravan said three technology providers were being considered – US Westinghouse, France’s EDF and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power – who all had strengths and “the decision will not be easy”.
The new study showed that, with respect to the impact on the electric power network, the optimal size of JEK2 is up to 1,300 MWe of net electric power. Based on the data collected and received so far, which represents the best internal assessment of GEN energija, the estimated investment value of JEK2 puts overnight construction costs at €9.3bn ($10bn) for a power plant of 1,000 MWe and €15.4bn for a plant of 1,650 MWe.
GEN energija has sent the draft material for the JEK2 State Spatial Plan (DPN – državnega prostorskega načrta) for review to the Ministry of Environment, Climate & Energy (MOPE – Ministrstvo za Okolje, Podnebje in Energijo) and the Ministry of Natural Resources & Spatial Planning (MNVP – Ministrstvo za Naravne Vire in Prostor) for coordination.
Dr Robert Bergant, head of the GEN engineering department, gave an estimated timeline with milestones, from the start of DPN preparation this year to plant construction in 2039. After harmonizing the comments of the competent ministries on the proposed DPN Initiative there will be a public presentation, during which the spatial planning authorities will offer guidelines, and the public will be able to make suggestions and ask questions. This will be followed by an analysis of the guidelines and adoption of a government decision on the DPN Initiation. An environmental report will then be prepared as part of a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and technology study. The adoption of the DPN Regulation is planned for 2027, followed by a final investment decision (FID) in 2028, the issue of a building permit, and the start of construction in 2032.
Kruno Abramovič, Executive Director for Finance at GEN energija said the financial structure and sources of financing will be known and determined before the FID. GEN energija alone is not able to provide all the financial resources for JEK2, therefore the role of the state in the implementation of such an important strategic project will be crucial, he noted. The plant will provide a stable and reliable supply of electricity for at least 60 (and possible 80) years and will provide an estimated 5,640 new jobs in 10 years.
GEN energija will open an information office in the Krško Municipality in June. In order to raise awareness and inform the wider Slovenian public about the JEK2 project, GEN energija is holding a traveling presentation of the project in the form of an interactive centre over the coming months. GEN energija will also regularly publish information about the project on the JEK2 project website and provide objective media coverage of energy sources and the project through proactive and reactive communication with the media.
Gorazd Slak, the head of Corporate Communication & Sustainability Development at GEN energija, said the public presentations would include models of what JEK2 would look like. He also emphasised the importance of transparency and the choice of the right providers. “These models, however, are in fact the actual NPPs of Korean KHNP, American Westinghouse and French EDF operators already standing and operating around the world”. He added that technical dialogue would continue with all three providers, “to be able to talk about achieving the best possible price”. He stressed the importance of making the procedures as transparent as possible.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly, with the support of both coalition and opposition votes, has approved the call for a consultative referendum on the provision of electricity with the second unit at the Krsko NPP and other low-carbon sources. The National Assembly also adopted a resolution on the long-term peaceful use of nuclear energy in Slovenia. The programme document demonstrates political support for the continued use and development of nuclear energy, including the construction of JEK2. The referendum is expected to be held at the end of November.
