EC Issues Opinion on Slovak Nuclear Power Plant in Mochovce

July 17, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

According to articles 41 to 44 of the Euratom Treaty, any new investment related to nuclear activities has to be communicated to the EC, which should then send its views to the European Union (EU) member state concerned.

During the notification procedure under the Euratom Treaty, the EC held extensive discussions with the nuclear operator, Slovenské Elektrárne. The EC concluded that, provided that the EC's recommendations are implemented, the new investment at Mochovce is in line with the treaty's objectives.

The EC's opinion focused on nuclear safety and security. In this regard, even though the project shows compliance with the current national regulations of the Slovak Republic as well as international recommendations, the EC based its assessment on the best practices available.

The VVER 440/V213 reactors proposed by the Mochovce investor do not have the "full containment" structure that is used in the most recent construction of nuclear power plants planned or underway in Europe. Consequently, the EC stated that an equivalent level of protection has to be ensured.

In particular, the EC recommended that the investor - in close collaboration with national authorities - evaluate and implement additional features, functional capabilities and management strategies to withstand a potential impact from an external source (such as a malevolent small aircraft) into the design of the new units.

Furthermore, the EC stressed the importance of diversification of energy supply sources under the aspect of secure supply of nuclear fuel for the whole EU nuclear industry, as well as a correct management of decommissioning funds, in line with its recommendation (Commission Recommendation No. 2006/851/Euratom; OJ L 330, 28.11.2006).

The EC plans to closely follow up on the development of nuclear activities related to the Mochovce investment project.

Technical background
According to the notification received, the units 3 and 4 are pressurized water reactors with a power capacity of 440 MWe. The two units, which will provide a total installed electrical power of 880 MW, are of type VVER 440/V213 of Russian design. Commissioning of the two units is expected for 2012-2013. The amount to be invested is around €1.6 billion.

Source: European Commission.