Technical assessments commissioned by Gen Energija from French company EDF and US-based Westinghouse have confirmed that their standard reactor designs can be constructed at the planned site for the second unit of the Krsko nuclear power plant. The studies indicate that the project is feasible both technically and within projected budget limits.
EDF proposed reactors with capacities of 1,650 MW and 1,200 MW, while Westinghouse offered a 1,000 MW unit. Both designs would be adapted to meet seismic and flood safety standards, as well as EU and Slovenian regulations. Lifespans of up to 80 years are considered achievable if certain conditions are met, compared to the original design lifespan of 60 years.
Gen Energija’s economic framework was validated, covering site adaptations, safety upgrades, relocation of network infrastructure, and related works. The studies confirmed that the project’s cost assumptions align with supplier evaluations, though final figures will depend on future negotiations and specifications. Regarding waste management, both reactor models would allow spent fuel storage in pools for at least 15 years, while low and intermediate-level radioactive waste could be stored for at least 20 years. Storage capacity can be expanded to cover the entire expected 80-year operating period.
The project timeline anticipates a final investment decision in 2028 and an integrated construction permit by 2032. Preparatory works such as site preparation and excavation would begin earlier under separate permits, which is standard for projects of this type. The feasibility studies were delivered on schedule, costing a total of 8 million euros.
In addition, Gen Energija received a site safety report from Finnish company Fortum, covering location data, radioactive waste management, and radiological safety. This report will support the environmental impact assessment and national spatial plan documentation. Fortum concluded that the site has been thoroughly analyzed and is suitable for safe project implementation. Public consultation on the spatial plan initiative is ongoing until the end of the month. A radiological study is expected this autumn, and a seismic hazard study is being commissioned. Gen Energija is also collecting information on advanced small modular reactor designs and has commissioned a study to assess potential SMR locations in Slovenia.
Regarding project economics, Gen Energija compared its analysis with a study by the civil society group Youth for Climate Justice. The main difference was in assumptions on capital costs (WACC). Gen Energija estimated a minimum electricity price of 70.2 euros per MWh, while the NGO calculated 107 euros per MWh assuming private investment returns. Without WACC, the NGO’s estimate drops to 75 euros per MWh, nearly matching Gen’s figure, suggesting that both calculations are based on consistent and verifiable assumptions.
