Slovakia will become the 100% owner of the Slovak Nuclear Energy Company (Jadrová energetická spoločnosť Slovenska, JESS), which is expected to build a new nuclear power plant in Jaslovské Bohunice. The agreement to purchase 49% of JESS from the Czech energy group ČEZ was formally signed on Wednesday at the Slovak Government Office in Bratislava by the CEOs of the Nuclear and Decommissioning Company (JAVYS) and ČEZ. On September 30, the government, following a proposal by Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer-SD), decided that JAVYS would acquire ČEZ’s 49% stake in JESS for €189.4 million.
“We have agreed that the Slovak Republic, through its representatives, will acquire 100% of this company. This means we can have access to all the documents and permits held by JESS, and through these processes we can significantly accelerate the construction of the new nuclear power plant in Jaslovské Bohunice,” Fico said after the signing ceremony.
ČEZ CEO and Chairman of the Board Daniel Beneš said the joint venture was established almost 17 years ago with the aim of preparing a project that would allow Slovakia to build a nuclear power plant at Jaslovské Bohunice. “I can responsibly say that the Bohunice site is currently the best-prepared location for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Europe as a whole,” Beneš said.
According to Beneš, the new nuclear project has already secured an approved feasibility study and a certificate from Slovakia’s Ministry of Economy reserving capacity for the new power source. It has also received a positive environmental impact assessment (EIA), a siting permit under Slovakia’s Atomic Act, and the land required for the project and construction. “We have submitted comprehensive documentation and proceedings for a zoning decision under the Building Act have begun. The project has moved into another phase, and at this point the Slovak state is strategically taking over the project,” Beneš said.
JAVYS CEO and Deputy Chairman of the Board Miroslav Obert said the transfer of responsibility to the Slovak state was an important step. “What is important now is that the Slovak government has assumed full responsibility for managing this project. We are prepared to work very hard to make the project a success,” he said. Under the government’s decision, the €189.4 million purchase price will come from state financial assets, with JAVYS receiving the funds as a shareholder contribution to its capital fund. Economy Minister Denisa Saková (Hlas-SD) was tasked with amending JAVYS’s articles of association to allow the fund to be established, while Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenický (Smer-SD) was instructed to release the funds.
The new nuclear power plant, with an installed capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts, is to be built at Jaslovské Bohunice. Under the government’s September decision, the project is classified as a strategic investment and is expected to cost at least €10.938 billion. It is scheduled to be completed in 2040.
Source: TASR
