Slovakia is considering increasing its stake in the power giant Slovenské elektrárne to a majority share. Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD) says the government would support buying an additional 17 percent, which would give the state a controlling 51 percent stake.
The move could come after the fourth unit of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant is completed and launched. Slovakia already holds 34 percent, while the remaining shares are owned by a foreign partner.
Energy analysts say majority ownership would not necessarily lower electricity prices for households, but it could increase state revenue through dividends. The proposal has also received backing from parts of the opposition, who say it would strengthen the country’s energy security.
Slovakia has a pre-emption right to acquire the shares, based on a 2015 agreement with Enel. The option can be exercised within six months after the new reactor is completed, which is expected in 2026.
Source: STVR
