Electricity is the foundation of a modern society’s functioning – from industry and transport to the daily operation of households. Consumption in Slovakia has been gradually increasing in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue. The largest share of consumption is attributed to industry and households, while new technologies, such as electromobility and data centers, are playing an increasingly significant role.
Future outlook
Analyses by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic anticipate a significant increase in electricity consumption - by more than 80% by 2050. This will be driven by growing electromobility, artificial intelligence, and the transition to carbon-free energy sources.
However, European policy, which supported the rapid decommissioning of coal and gas power plants through the Green Deal initiative, has also caused a certain level of instability in the energy sector. This has been further deepened by the war in Ukraine and the associated fluctuation in energy prices.
Slovakia thus faces a fundamental question: how to maintain energy self-sufficiency and stability of electricity supply at a time when demand is growing and traditional sources are gradually reaching the end of their lifespan?
Nuclear energy – the foundation of Slovak stability
In Slovakia, nuclear energy is a key source of electricity. In 2024, it covered 60.6% of total production, and after the commissioning of the 4th unit at Mochovce, the share of electricity is expected to increase to approximately 70%. This could allow Slovakia to overtake France, which has been the world leader until now with 67.3% (2024).
The first Slovak nuclear power plants were commissioned more than 40 years ago. Their technologies were originally designed for a lifespan of approximately four decades; therefore, today we face a decision – to invest in the construction of new units or to extend the lifespan of existing ones, which are proven, reliable, and safe.
In reality, however, Slovakia needs a combination of both approaches: extending the operation of older units by at least 20 years and simultaneously preparing new nuclear projects, the construction of which takes 15 to 20 years.
Why invest specifically in nuclear?
Our country does not have sufficient domestic reserves of fossil fuels, nor suitable conditions for building wind turbines (low average wind speed) or solar panels (insufficient amount of solar radiation). Although renewable sources are an essential part of the energy mix, they cannot be the sole pillar of the system – their production depends on the time of day, weather, and climate conditions.
In contrast, nuclear power plants ensure stable electricity production throughout the entire year. They only require enough cooling water and nuclear fuel, which is typically replaced once a year. At the same time, it is a low-carbon source that helps Slovakia meet its climate commitments.
Is it realistic for Slovakia to keep pace with growing demand?
If we are talking about nuclear as the most promising source of electricity for Slovakia, two options emerge:
- construction of new nuclear power plant units
- lifespan extension of existing ones
Building a new nuclear power plant is a time-consuming and financially demanding process – more than 20 years can pass from the initial plans to startup. Many changes – political, social, or investment-related – enter the construction process, which is why many projects are completed late or not at all. For this reason, extending the lifespan of existing units is a practical and economically advantageous solution to maintain stable electricity supplies.
Most equipment in a power plant is replaceable – pipes, turbines, pumps, or control systems. The only non-renewable part remains the reactor pressure vessel, which is the "heart" of the entire system. However, it is designed with a large safety margin, and its condition is constantly monitored using modern diagnostic methods.
In Slovakia, a system of surveillance samples is used, which allows predicting the condition of the reactor material 5, 10, or 15 years in advance. This makes it possible to detect even the smallest structural changes in time and prevent material degradation. Progress in the field of non-destructive testing and microscopic analysis allows for the observation of even micro-defects and the evaluation of reactor lifespan with high precision.
European research on extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants
Extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants is a priority at the European level as well. Within the Horizon Europe program, the European Union supports research and innovation in the field of nuclear safety and reliability. This includes the DELISA-LTO project, managed by a joint research team at the Slovak University of Technology (STU) – specifically at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (Institute of Nuclear and Physical Engineering) in cooperation with the Faculty of Materials Science and Technology (Institute of Materials). The project focuses on research into the radiation and thermal degradation of materials in long-term operated reactors and the development of methods for their assessment, with the goal of ensuring safe and reliable operation even after exceeding the originally planned lifespan.
Research in this area has not only technological but also social significance. Extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants contributes to Slovakia's energy independence, reduces CO₂ emissions, and ensures supply stability for both households and industry. At a time when Europe is facing a transformation of its energy mix, nuclear energy can remain a pillar of stability and security – for our country and for future generations.
