Portorož, 12 September 2023
At the NENE international conference, the development of the JEK2 project was presented
In Portorož, the 32nd international conference NENE – New Energy for New Europe is taking place. Leading nuclear experts from scientific research institutions, industry, and regulatory bodies from over 20 countries in Europe and the world, as well as major international organizations in the field of nuclear energy, are presenting the latest achievements in nuclear science and discussing the role of nuclear energy in future electricity supply. The conference, organized by the Slovenian Nuclear Society, includes contributions from representatives of GEN Energy.
During yesterday’s opening ceremony, GEN’s CEO, Dr. Dejan Paravan, emphasized that the GEN Group, as a facilitator of the transition to a self-sufficient and low-carbon electricity system in Slovenia, is actively planning complementary and coordinated investments in renewable sources and nuclear energy. The focus remains on accelerating the implementation of the JEK2 project, particularly in terms of spatial integration.
In response to significantly changed circumstances due to the energy crisis, increased needs for a reliable supply of domestically produced electricity, and growing interest from domestic and foreign investors, there is an active consideration of the possibility of installing a more powerful reactor, up to 2,400 MW.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Igor Papič, also highlighted that nuclear energy, along with renewable sources, is crucial for the green transition. “For the development of a successful and safe nuclear program, collaboration between industry, science, and the state is necessary. The 40 years of successful operation of NEK is proof that we have the knowledge, and the government has already expressed support for the continued use of nuclear energy,” he emphasized.
Dr. Bruno Glaser, the head of the Technical Sector, provided a detailed presentation on the development of the JEK2 project, which Slovenia needs for the long-term provision of reliable and clean electricity at a competitive price. The planned activities leading to the final investment decision in 2028 were highlighted, including the initiation of spatial integration in 2024. Parallel efforts include intensive preparations for the project organization, technical dialogue with potential suppliers, and the analysis for selecting an appropriate financing model.
Several other employees of GEN Energy are also contributing with expert presentations in the conference program, which continues until Thursday.
More information about the conference can be found on the website of the Slovenian Nuclear Society.
