The intergovernmental agreement between Slovakia and the United States in the field of civil nuclear energy was published today in the State Gazette, the Slovak news agency TASR reported, quoted by BTA.
The document aims to serve as the basis for a future contract for the construction of a new nuclear power unit in Jaslovské Bohunice, Trnava County. According to the Slovak Ministry of Economy, the agreement creates a comprehensive framework for the long-term development of the country's civil nuclear program, strengthening expert and institutional capacity and achieving national strategic goals in the sector.
The ministry points out that other EU member states, such as Poland, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania, already have similar intergovernmental agreements with the United States. The signing of the Slovak-American document was consulted in advance with the European Commission.
The agreement provides for expert consultations, promotion of civil nuclear energy within the European Union, as well as the organization of workshops, seminars and conferences. It also includes support for the development, construction and financing of a new nuclear unit, with the aim of putting the reactor into operation around 2040.
According to the document, Slovakia will encourage the project company to select an American nuclear reactor project, engage an American organization as a technology provider and consider the possibility of an American company performing engineering and construction activities. The country will also encourage the use of American technology in possible future nuclear energy projects.
The Ministry of Economy also notes that the construction and operation of the new nuclear facility is expected to create thousands of jobs, ensure long-term employment, support the development of subcontracting chains and technological know-how, and strengthen Slovakia's export capacity in the electricity sector.