Nuclear Energy Future Secured for Slovakia: Urenco Strikes Uranium Supply Agreement with Slovenske Elektrarne
Slovakia Secures Long-Term Uranium Supply with Urenco Deal
Slovenské elektrárne, Slovakia's largest electricity producer, has signed a significant long-term contract with the Urenco Group on July 25, 2025. This deal will secure enriched uranium for Slovenské elektrárne's nuclear plants in Bohunice and Mochovce until the mid-2030s [1][2][3].
The agreement is strategically important as uranium enrichment is the most technologically and financially demanding phase of the nuclear fuel cycle. Access to reliable and diversified enrichment services is crucial for stable nuclear plant operations. This contract follows an international tender, launched in early 2024, aiming to secure a reliable uranium partner due to global geopolitical uncertainties and rising pressure on nuclear fuel markets [2][3].
Urenco, a multinational company owned by the UK and Dutch governments and German utilities, provides uranium enrichment services from multiple European facilities. This cooperation will contribute to the security and reliability of supply for Slovakia [2][3].
Slovenské elektrárne operates five VVER 440 pressurized water reactors, two at Bohunice and three at Mochovce. With this deal, Slovenské elektrárne will continue to generate over 87% of Slovakia's electricity from nuclear sources, making it one of Europe's leaders in low-carbon energy [1][3].
The contract with Urenco comes at a time when the uranium market is strained. This step towards a strong, climate-friendly energy future for Slovakia is a welcome move, especially considering Urenco's aim for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and its emphasis on strong environmental governance [1][3].
Slovenské elektrárne's energy mix includes nuclear, hydroelectric, and solar power, with a focus on efficient resource use, environmental management, reliable and ethical supply chains, and continuous improvement. The company also provides energy efficiency services to businesses and homes, helping them cut energy use and CO2 emissions through solutions like LED lighting and smart cooling systems [1][3].
In January 2023, Unit 3 at Mochovce was connected to the grid. Each unit produces up to 535 MW of electricity, and one reactor prevents about 5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly [1][3]. With the last coal-fired power plant shut down in early 2024, Slovenské elektrárne now produces electricity with zero direct CO2 emissions [1][3].
Nigel Baker, British Ambassador to Slovakia, stated that the long-term contract between Urenco and Slovenské elektrárne helps Slovakia achieve energy independence and provides a reliable alternative for the supply of enriched uranium for the operation of the Slovak nuclear industry in the coming years [1][3].
[1] https://www.slovenskeelektrarne.sk/en/ [2] https://www.urenco.com/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/slovakia-signs-long-term-uranium-supply-contract-with-urenco-2025-07-25/
The agreement between Slovenské elektrárne and Urenco, a multinational finance company, is strategically important for securing a reliable uranium supply for Slovakia's nuclear businesses, as uranium enrichment is the most demanding phase in the finance sector of the nuclear fuel cycle. This long-term investment in Urenco's enrichment services is crucial for stable nuclear plant operations and contributes to Slovakia's goal of a strong, climate-friendly energy future, with Urenco aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
