Slovakia has entered into an agreement with the American company Westinghouse for the supply of nuclear fuel to its nuclear power plants, and another potential supplier could be France. This move helps the country to become independent of Russian fuel. This information was reported by Euractiv.
"Almost 60% of the electricity produced in Slovakia comes from nuclear power plants, which, in turn, exclusively use Russian nuclear fuel. This will no longer be the case after an international tender secured an agreement for the supply of nuclear fuel from Slovenské elektrárne to have the 'only fully western alternative'," the publication states.
According to Branislav StrýÄek, CEO of Slovenske elektrárne, securing an alternative nuclear fuel supplier for Slovak power plants is an important step towards strengthening the country's energy security.
"Nuclear power plants are a crucial pillar in our country's energy balance, so I consider it extremely important to ensure the diversification of nuclear fuel supplies for their stable operation," he said.
However, the new fuel must first undergo a special approval process for use in Slovak nuclear reactors. After this procedure, non-Russian fuel will start being delivered in a year's time.
Slovenské elektrárne aims to acquire at least one additional energy fuel supplier. In May, the company signed a memorandum of cooperation with the French company Framatom.
