Slovenia is advancing its energy strategy with a significant investment plan for the construction of the second unit of the Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) Krško, as announced during a press event in Ljubljana hosted by Gen Energija. The financial structure for this ambitious project is projected to cost between €15 billion and €22 billion, encompassing both financing and construction expenses.
The analysis indicates that financing costs alone are estimated at €5–7 billion. It has been determined that the state could potentially fund the project entirely on its own, provided that fiscal and macroeconomic stability is upheld throughout the construction and operational phases. This self-funding approach reflects a strategic commitment to enhancing Slovenia’s energy infrastructure.
A dedicated project company is proposed to manage permits, contracts, regulatory procedures, and financial obligations associated with NPP Krško Unit 2. The recommendation emphasizes that ownership should remain entirely state-held. Nada Drobne Popović, CEO of Gen Energija, confirmed that current economic assumptions remain valid following financing reviews and technical feasibility studies. However, final investment figures will be recalibrated once a contractor is appointed and contracts are finalized.
Base construction costs are projected at approximately €9.6 billion for a 1,000 MW configuration and €15.4 billion for a larger 1,650 MW option. Updated projections suggest that electricity generation costs will range from €60 to €68 per MWh, with economic viability anticipated at market prices around €75 per MWh. These figures underscore the project’s potential impact on Slovenia’s energy pricing landscape.
Bruno Glaser, business director at Gen Energija, outlined essential preparatory steps still required before moving forward. These include conducting a probabilistic seismic safety assessment, updating the site safety report, performing a cooling study, and preparing tender documentation within the national spatial planning framework. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning noted the recent initiation of the state spatial plan procedure as a crucial milestone in coordinating planning guidelines and facilitating public input.
Environment, Climate and Energy Minister Bojan Kumer highlighted the significance of transparency in this process, noting that NPP Krško Unit 2 represents Slovenia’s largest infrastructure investment to date. A comprehensive environmental impact assessment, including cross-border evaluations, is also slated for completion as part of this extensive planning effort.
A final decision regarding construction is anticipated by the end of 2028. By this time, key components such as supplier selection, financial structuring, and approval of the national spatial plan must be finalized. If all timelines are adhered to, construction is expected to commence in 2032 and conclude by 2039, with network connections planned for 2040.
