French state-owned energy company EDF and France-based International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN) have signed agreements with Slovenian scientific institutions to improve cooperation in the civil uses of nuclear energy.
The agreements, signed at the French embassy in Slovenia, aim to advance research, development, training, and education in nuclear energy, officials said.
Thes efforts are part of a broader cooperation between France and Slovenia, supported by EDF for several years, Vakisasai Ramany, senior vice-president for international nuclear development at EDF, said on social media.
One of the agreements was signed between EDF and Slovenia’s Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS). It focuses on research and development for nuclear power plants and small modular reactors.
A second agreement was signed between I2EN and the University of Maribor. It aims to develop higher education programmes in nuclear science and technology, with initiatives including student and researcher exchanges, joint European projects, and potential internships in France.
Slovenia has been considering the construction of a new reactor unit at its existing Krsko nuclear station and earlier reports said a final decision on the project would be made in 2027 or 2028, with commercial operation in the mid-2040s.
The existing single 688-MW pressurised water reactor at Krkso is co-owned in equal shares by the governments of Slovenia and neighbouring Croatia. It is the only nuclear plant in Slovenia.
Slovenia has received offers for its new-build plans from three suppliers including EDF, South Korean KHNP, and US-based Westinghouse Electric.
Slovenian state secretary Jure Gasparic highlighted earlier this week the importance of nuclear energy for the country’s green transition, alongside renewable energy sources.
“We are aware that the development of a successful and safe nuclear programme requires cooperation between industry, science and the government, strengthened by international partnerships,” Gasparic was quoted by local media as saying.