The European Investment Bank is prepared to consider financing nuclear investments in Slovenia, including a possible second reactor at the Krsko power plant. The lender said it is moving toward a more technology-neutral approach to low-carbon energy. Any support would be considered within the scope of the project and related policy frameworks.
EIB Vice President Marek Mora said the proposed reactor had been discussed with Slovenian ministers and state secretaries. He added that any financing decision would depend on the structure of the project and Slovenia’s long-term energy strategy. The bank’s assessment would therefore be linked to how the investment is designed and positioned.
Possible EIB support beyond a second Krsko reactor
The EIB indicated potential support could extend beyond large reactors. It cited possible coverage for small modular reactors, nuclear-safety improvements, and infrastructure for radioactive-waste management. This broader framing connects financing considerations to multiple parts of the nuclear value chain.
The bank also stated that it directs more than half of its lending towards climate action and environmental sustainability. That includes renewable energy, efficiency, and climate adaptation. It said it does not regard nuclear financing as incompatible with that mandate.
Slovenia’s role for a second unit amid coal phase-out
Slovenia views a second Krsko unit as a potential source of low-carbon baseload generation. The rationale cited in the statement links the project to coal capacity being phased out and electricity demand rising. A national decision on the role of nuclear power would therefore be central to any next steps.
At the same time, Slovenia said the project would require major financing, lengthy permitting, and a clear national decision on nuclear power. While the EIB’s position creates another potential funding route, it does not remove key issues affecting whether expansion proceeds. Those issues include cost, construction risk, and public approval.
