Krško, 11 January 2024
Slovenian companies were presented with opportunities for inclusion in nuclear supply chains
Today, at the GEN Information Center, we hosted a presentation on the possibilities of involving Slovenian companies in international supply chains for the construction and maintenance of nuclear power plants in Europe. The event was organized by the Chamber of Commerce Posavje. Nuclear power plants form the foundation of reliable and sufficient electricity supply, enabling the achievement of desired goals in the green transition and sustainable energy systems. In the next two decades, European countries plan to build more than 10 new nuclear power plants, including the planned construction of the second block of the nuclear power plant in Krško.
Dr. Dejan Paravan, the CEO of GEN, emphasized that efficiently established supply chains are a crucial factor for the success of nuclear new builds: ‘This developmental step is essential in Slovenia for the successful implementation of the JEK2 project, and it has much broader implications. A strengthened international supply chain is important for the expansion of nuclear energy in Europe, and we hope that many Slovenian companies will recognize excellent business opportunities and capitalize on this wave.’
State Secretary for the National Nuclear Program, Danijel Levičar, also stated that well-functioning supply chains are a guarantee for project execution within time and financial frameworks. He noted that the participation of Slovenian companies in nuclear industry supply chains represents an exceptional opportunity for the development and growth of our economy and the strengthening of expertise in the field of nuclear energy. Participation in the construction and maintenance projects of nuclear power plants allows Slovenian companies to gain valuable experience and establish themselves in the international market. ‘This is the first such meeting, and we can expect similar meetings with other providers and leading organizations in the nuclear industry,’ he added.
Vesna Nahtigal, the Director General of GZS, reminded that the energy crisis exposed Slovenia’s vulnerability, specifically its dependence on the import of energy sources. ‘While we cannot change this fact with gas, we have excellent opportunities compared to other European countries in terms of electric energy to become energy independent. In the long term, we need to build sufficient, reliable, and low-carbon production sources in energy. After the expected closure of TEŠ 6 in 2033, the only solution for this is the construction of the second block of the nuclear power plant,’ Nahtigal asserted.
The meeting was attended by more than 90 participants from almost 50 Slovenian companies.
