Ensuring Slovakia's Nuclear Energy Prospects: Urenco Strikes Uranium Agreement with Slovenská Elektrárne
Slovakia Strengthens Nuclear Energy Sector with Long-Term Uranium Supply Deal
Slovakia, a country heavily reliant on nuclear energy, has signed a long-term uranium enrichment contract with the Urenco Group. This strategic partnership, signed on July 25, 2025, aims to diversify Slovakia's fuel supply and reduce dependence on Russian sources, enhancing energy security amid geopolitical tensions.
Slovenské elektrárne, the operator of Slovakia’s nuclear fleet and the country's largest electricity producer, generates over 87% of Slovakia’s electricity from nuclear sources. With five reactors currently operating (two at Bohunice, three at Mochovce), plus one under commissioning, Slovenské elektrárne is one of Europe's leaders in low-carbon energy.
The deal with Urenco Group guarantees a secure supply for Slovenské elektrárne, with enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. This partnership will ensure uranium for Slovakia's nuclear plants in Bohunice and Mochovce until the mid-2030s.
Slovakia's nuclear energy sector is currently undergoing expansion. The country is advancing the construction of a new 1.2 GWe Westinghouse US-designed nuclear reactor at Bohunice, supported by a EU-approved Slovakia-US nuclear cooperation agreement. This new reactor, wholly owned by Slovakia, will further secure its clean energy transition.
In addition to Urenco enrichment services, Slovakia is also developing new uranium raw material supply chains. A notable example is the memorandum of understanding with Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom to supply natural uranium concentrate and potentially uranium dioxide for fuel fabrication, diversifying sources beyond Russia’s Rosatom fuel supply.
By investing in secure nuclear fuel and focusing on sustainability, Slovenské elektrárne leads in Central and Eastern Europe. The company emphasizes efficient resource use, environmental management, reliable and ethical supply chains, continuous improvement, and financial stability. Urenco, too, aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and emphasizes strong environmental governance.
This strategic partnership between Slovenské elektrárne and Urenco Group is a significant step toward a strong, climate-friendly energy future for Slovakia. By diversifying fuel supply and expanding capacity, Slovakia is collectively supporting its goals of energy security, stable nuclear operations, and carbon-free electricity consistent with climate neutrality commitments.
- The long-term uranium supply deal between Slovenské elektrárne and the Urenco Group is aimed at not only diversifying Slovakia's fuel supply but also reducing dependence on Russian sources in line with environmental-science principles.
- The investment in secure nuclear fuel by Slovenské elektrárne is being facilitated by partnerships, such as the one with Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, to secure natural uranium concentrate, contributing to the renewable-energy industry.
- Slovenské elektrárne's focus on resource use efficiency, environmental management, reliable and ethical supply chains, continuous improvement, and financial stability aligns with the broader goals of sustainable finance in the context of climate-change mitigation.
- In the realm of the energy sector, this strategic partnership between Slovenské elektrárne and the Urenco Group serves as a vital component in Slovakia's ongoing effort to upgrade its nuclear energy sector, ensuring compliance with both energy regulation and the objectives of a carbon-neutral environment.
