Slovakia's Mochovce nuclear plant loads fuel into fourth reactor unit

Slovenské elektrárne has started loading nuclear fuel into the fourth unit of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant. The first fuel assembly was placed into the reactor on 29 June at 15:45 local time. This follows the commissioning permission granted by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic on 22 May. Construction of the Mochovce plant began in 1982 with the first two units. Units 3 and 4 were started in 1986. Unit 3 entered commercial operation in October 2023.

The commissioning process for unit 4 will involve gradually increasing power output. A 144-hour demonstration run at full capacity will take place before final approval. Active reactor tests will commence once all fuel is loaded.

Each unit at Mochovce can supply 13% of Slovakia’s electricity needs when running at full capacity. Branislav Stryček, CEO of Slovenské elektrárne, called the fourth unit a key chapter in the country’s energy development. Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia is now a world leader in nuclear energy. The fourth unit is nearing operational status. Its completion will significantly boost Slovakia’s energy production. The plant’s expanded capacity is set to play a major role in the nation’s electricity supply.