Slovakia is set to embark on a major new chapter in its energy story, after Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on October 7, 2025, that his government has greenlit a multi-billion-euro agreement with the United States to construct an additional nuclear reactor. The move, revealed during Fico’s speech at an annual nuclear conference in Bratislava, signals a bold step for the country as it seeks to reinforce its energy independence and maintain its commitment to nuclear power.
According to The Livingston Enterprise and the Associated Press, the planned reactor will be built at the existing Jaslovské Bohunice nuclear plant in western Slovakia. The new unit, boasting an output of over 1,000 megawatts, will be fully state-owned—a significant detail in an era when many European countries are grappling with questions over energy security and sovereignty.
“The government has approved an agreement with the United States to build an additional nuclear reactor,” Fico declared to conference attendees, underscoring the importance of the project for Slovakia’s future. While the announcement was met with anticipation, some key details remain under wraps. As of October 7, it was still unclear exactly when the Slovak and U.S. governments would formally sign the deal, leaving industry watchers and policymakers eager for further developments.
The plan for a new reactor is not entirely new. As reported by the Associated Press, the Slovak government had already approved a proposal last year for a 1,200-megawatt nuclear unit at Jaslovské Bohunice, where the country’s dominant utility, Slovenské Elektrárne, currently operates two reactors. The estimated price tag? Up to 15 billion euros, or about $17.5 billion—a hefty investment by any measure, reflecting the scale and ambition of the project.
Originally, the government intended to hold a public tender to select the builder for the new reactor. However, in recent months, officials shifted gears, entering direct negotiations with U.S. nuclear giant Westinghouse. This pivot away from a competitive bidding process to a direct deal speaks volumes about Slovakia’s priorities—not only in securing advanced nuclear technology but also in strengthening strategic ties with the United States.
Slovakia’s reliance on nuclear power is already among the highest in Europe. As of October 2025, more than 80% of the country’s electricity is generated at its two nuclear plants, according to government figures cited by the Associated Press. This heavy dependence on nuclear energy is both a source of national pride and a practical necessity, given the country’s limited domestic fossil fuel resources and its desire to reduce reliance on imported energy.
The new reactor represents more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it’s a statement of intent. Fico’s government, known for its populist bent, has repeatedly emphasized the need for energy security and national control over critical assets. By ensuring that the new reactor will be wholly state-owned, officials hope to reassure the public that Slovakia’s energy future remains firmly in domestic hands.
But Slovakia is not alone in its nuclear ambitions. The region is witnessing a broader resurgence in nuclear energy projects, as countries across Central and Eastern Europe look to diversify their energy portfolios and reduce dependence on Russian gas. The Associated Press highlights that the Czech Republic recently signed a contract with Korea’s KHNP to build two additional reactors, while Poland has inked a deal with Westinghouse for its first-ever nuclear plant. Meanwhile, Hungary is moving forward with plans for two new reactors to be built by Russia’s Rosatom.
This flurry of activity reflects shifting geopolitical winds and growing concerns over energy security in the wake of recent global events. For Slovakia, the decision to partner with Westinghouse—rather than a Russian or other foreign supplier—may also be seen as a strategic realignment, emphasizing closer cooperation with Western allies.
The scale of the proposed reactor is striking. With an output surpassing 1,000 megawatts, the unit would be among the largest in the region, capable of powering hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. The Jaslovské Bohunice site, already home to significant nuclear infrastructure, offers a logical location for expansion. Slovenské Elektrárne’s existing reactors at the site have long formed the backbone of Slovakia’s electricity grid, and the addition of a new unit is expected to further solidify the plant’s central role.
Financially, the project’s estimated cost of up to 15 billion euros places it among the most substantial infrastructure undertakings in Slovak history. Such an investment will require careful planning and oversight, not to mention robust public support. While the government has yet to disclose the precise terms of the agreement with Westinghouse, officials have signaled that the state will retain full ownership and control over the new reactor—a move likely designed to address domestic concerns about foreign influence and profit-sharing.
Energy experts and environmental advocates are watching the developments closely. On one hand, nuclear power offers a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, helping Slovakia meet its climate targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other, the high costs, long construction timelines, and ongoing debates over nuclear waste management add layers of complexity to the project.
For Slovakia’s neighbors, the country’s nuclear expansion is both a model and a warning. The Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary are all pursuing their own nuclear projects, each with its unique mix of partners, technologies, and political considerations. The region’s embrace of nuclear power stands in contrast to the skepticism seen in parts of Western Europe, where countries like Germany have moved to phase out nuclear energy entirely.
Prime Minister Fico’s announcement comes at a time of heightened debate over Europe’s energy future. With the continent still reeling from energy price shocks and supply disruptions, governments are under pressure to find reliable, affordable, and sustainable solutions. For Slovakia, doubling down on nuclear power—especially through a partnership with the United States—reflects both pragmatism and a desire to chart an independent course.
As the details of the agreement are finalized, all eyes will be on Bratislava and Washington to see how the partnership unfolds. The outcome will not only shape Slovakia’s energy landscape for decades to come but could also influence the broader trajectory of nuclear power in Central and Eastern Europe.
In the end, Slovakia’s decision to build a new reactor at Jaslovské Bohunice is about more than megawatts and euros. It’s a bet on the future—a future in which energy security, technological innovation, and international cooperation will be more important than ever.
