Slovenske Elektrarne and Framatome Clinch Deal on Nuclear Fuel Supplies

Bratislava, July 23 (TASR) - The Slovenske Elektrarne (SE) power utility and French company Framatome signed a deal on the delivery of nuclear fuel for Bohunice and Mochovce power plants, with an eye towards bolstering Slovakia's energy security, SE reported on its website on Tuesday. The first deliveries are slated to take place in 2027. "Concluding a contract with one of the foremost world suppliers of nuclear fuel is an important step towards the bolstering of Slovakia's energy security. Nuclear power plants pose a mainstay of the energy mix of our country, so I consider the diversification of the nuclear fuel supplies crucial for their stable operation," stated SE general director and board chairman Branislav Strycek. "This contract presents a new watershed in the longstanding and fruitful collaboration between Framatome and Slovenske Elektrarne. We're happy to contribute towards the diversification of fuel in Slovakia as well as safe, reliable and continuous operation of Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants," added Framatome executive vice-president for fuels division Lionel Gaiffe. Framatome designs, services and installs components, fuel and control systems for nuclear power plants. With a staff of more than 18,000 employees, it is active also in Slovakia, where it delivered the control systems for new Mochovce nuclear blocks 3 and 4. Slovenske Elektrarne produce more than 70 percent of all electricity in Slovakia. By virtue of five nuclear blocks and 31 hydroeletric plants, it is generating 100 percent of electricity without any direct CO2 emissions. mf/mcs