Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob said now is the right time for the nuclear option to secure its place in the energy sector of the future, and revealed a referendum is planned on the second unit of the Krško nuclear plant.
Slovenia is planning to increase its nuclear power capacity and Croatia is interested in participating in the project, while environmental activists in Slovenia oppose the idea. Throughout Europe, nuclear energy is gaining more and more supporters amid the severity of the energy crisis.
Prime Minister Robert Golob visited the Krško nuclear power plant, which is in overhaul, and said he agreed with the facility’s management that now is the opportunity for the nuclear option to secure its position for the future. He added it would be difficult for Europe to overcome the current issues in the energy sector without utilizing all technologies.
Renewables come first, but Europe needs all technologies
Renewable energy sources are the first priority, but now is an opportunity for nuclear technology to reaffirm itself and offer solutions for Europe’s future, Golob said, local media reported.
Both Slovenia and Europe, he is convinced, want energy sources that cannot be used to blackmail them, ones they control technologically and with stable fuel sources.
Golob pointed out that the authorities in Slovenia are awaiting a concrete solution from experts as soon as possible for the construction of the nuclear power plant with Western technology.
The government expects experts to offer a concrete solution for the new nuclear plant
When it happens, the government will seek a national consensus for such an investment, Golob said.
According to him, a referendum will have to be held within five years on whether to build another nuclear power plant. Of note, it is not the first time that a plebiscite idea has been floated.
Golob: Right now the decision seems simple
The state will ask power utility GEN Energija to speed up planning for the second unit in order to create a situation where citizens can decide whether they want it or not.
At the moment, having in mind energy needs, the decision seems simple, said Golob.
Stanislav Rožman, president of the NEK Management Board, said that Krško would be ready for another 20 years of operation after the overhaul.
Of note, Poland has just announced it would build three nuclear power plants. It expects the construction of the first one to begin in 2026.
I support. Only that the decision is not made too late.