The IAEA Director General has engaged with Slovenian leaders and civil society today, in the lead up to a key referendum on expanding the country's nuclear power programme.
Rafael Mariano Grossi spoke at a forum on nuclear energy chaired by Prime Minister Robert Golob and attended by politicians, industry, energy experts and media at the Presidential Palace in Ljubljana.
In this opening address to the forum, Mr Grossi said: "Slovenia has a fine tradition of nuclear operation. You have sophisticated technology and know-how, giving you a great advantage for future plans."
Slovenia already has one nuclear power reactor in operation with a total net capacity of 688 MWe, which produces almost 37 per cent of the electricity for the country. Krško Nuclear Power Plant - which Mr Grossi also visited today - started commercial operation in 1983 and received approval to extend its lifetime from 40 to 60 years in 2023.
Director General Grossi tours the Krško nuclear power plant, which provides more than a third of Slovenia's electricity. (Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA)
"With Slovenia's experience and the need for carbon free options in our energy mix, it makes eminent sense for Slovenia to continue on this path," said the Director General.
Over recent years, to reach its climate and energy security goals, the country has also been discussing adding another reactor to the Krško site, in a project known as JEK2. A referendum on this matter will be held in November.
As Slovenia prepares for referendum on 2nd nuclear unit #JEK2, it's important citizens and leaders are informed on nuclear's role in a safe, secure energy future. At gathering of leaders and experts, I stressed 🇸🇮 expertise as a competitive advantage. Thanks PM Golob for hosting. pic.twitter.com/J5mTTGFGKV
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) October 9, 2024
The JEK2 project would provide up to 2400 MWe capacity with a pressurised water technology of either GEN III or GEN III+ design, further strengthening Slovenia's capacity to reduce emissions and meet its climate and development goals.
The Director General spoke to a number of Slovenian media outlets on the topic. "I have seen much interest here in detailed nuclear topics related to price, waste and safety. I am happy to answer any questions and appreciate these informed exchanges.
"I think the important thing is that the Slovenian society is well-informed, and that there is a good public debate about it. My impression is that there is widespread consensus on the reasonability of moving forward with nuclear in the country. But, of course, it will be up to the Slovenes to decide what you want to do."
Mr Grossi spoke of nuclear power's key role supporting the clean energy transition. "An integrated intelligent energy mix is what is needed. You cannot have full reliance on one single source of energy. We believe that renewable energy is indispensable, and it should be scaled up. The issue here is that you also need base load energy. You cannot power a full economy simply on renewable energies.
"So, countries are choosing what kind of base load capacity they can use. Many important economies are looking into nuclear simply because they need useful instruments that will allow them to have this base load energy," he added.
Following the political gathering this morning and a meeting with Bojan Kumer, Minister of the Environment, Climate and Energy, Mr Grossi spoke with student groups on the topic.
In-depth conversation with Slovenia's young leaders-an engaged and informed youth is needed as 🇸🇮 considers its future nuclear energy plans. The decision on #JEK2 will have long-term implications, and their involvement is indispensable to shape a cleaner, greener future. pic.twitter.com/ByVtSAGkGw
— Rafael MarianoGrossi (@rafaelmgrossi) October 9, 2024
