Slovak Nuclear Energy's Future Secured: Urenco Strikes Uranium Agreement with Slovenske elektra
In a significant move for Slovakia's energy sector, Slovenské elektrárne, the country's largest electricity producer, has signed a long-term contract with Urenco Group on July 25, 2025. This partnership secures a long-term supply of enriched uranium for Slovakia's Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants through the mid-2030s [1][2][3].
The deal marks Urenco’s entry into the Slovak market and strengthens Slovakia’s strategic autonomy in nuclear fuel supply amid geopolitical shifts. This diversification reduces Slovakia’s previous reliance on Russian nuclear fuel suppliers and supports stable, safe, and reliable operation of the country’s nuclear reactors, which generate over half of Slovakia's electricity [1][2][3].
Slovenské elektrárne operates five VVER 440 pressurized water reactors, two at Bohunice and three at Mochovce. The completion of new units at Mochovce has increased capacity. In January 2023, Unit 3 was connected to the grid after final regulatory approval in August 2022 [4].
Urenco, based in London, offers uranium enrichment services and plays a vital role in the global nuclear fuel supply chain. With enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US, Urenco aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and emphasizes strong environmental governance [5].
The contract with Urenco follows an international tender launched in early 2024. Slovenská elektrárne is 66% owned by Slovak Power Holding B.V., which is part of the Czech group Energetický a průmyslový holding (EPH) [6].
Slovenské elektrárne's nuclear plants provide nearly two-thirds of Slovakia's electricity. Each unit at Slovenské elektrárne produces up to 535 MW of electricity, meeting around 13% of Slovakia's needs. One reactor at Slovenské elektrárne prevents about 5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly—equivalent to removing two million cars from the road [1][2].
The Urenco deal is a key element in Slovakia’s broader strategy to boost energy security by securing diverse, reliable, and non-Russian sources of nuclear fuel essential for its substantial nuclear power generation [1][2][3][4]. It complements Slovakia’s ongoing efforts, including supply deals with other companies like Framatome and Westinghouse, to build a more resilient and diversified fuel supply chain for its Russian-designed pressurized water reactors. This enables Slovakia to maintain and expand its nuclear fleet—including reactors under construction and planned small modular reactors—fortifying national power supply stability [1][2][3].
In summary, the Urenco deal is a step toward a strong, climate-friendly energy future for Slovakia, helping the country diversify its nuclear fuel sources and boost energy security while reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable development.
[1] Slovenské elektrárne signs long-term deal with Urenco Group [2] Slovenské elektrárne secures uranium supply for Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear plants [3] Urenco Group secures long-term contract with Slovenské elektrárne [4] Unit 3 at Mochovce nuclear power plant connected to the grid [5] Urenco Group aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 [6] Slovak Power Holding B.V. owns 66% of Slovenské elektrárne
- The long-term contract signed by Slovenské elektrárne with Urenco Group on July 25, 2025, for the supply of enriched uranium, represents an investment in Slovakia's energy sector, diversifying the country's nuclear fuel sources.
- Urenco's entry into the Slovak market through this partnership is expected to strengthen Slovakia's environmental-science approach and financial independence in nuclear fuel supply, shifting away from reliance on Russian suppliers.
- With its emphasis on strong environmental governance and aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, Urenco's role in Slovakia's energy sector aligns with the country's climate-change initiatives, promoting a sustainable future for energy production.
- This strategic business move by Slovenské elektrárne, securing a long-term uranium supply from Urenco Group, is part of Slovakia's broader strategy to ensure energy security and reduce carbon emissions, reinforcing the environmental sustainability and energy self-sufficiency of its industry.
