New reactor unit on the grid: Slovakia overtakes France in nuclear power
The Slovak Republic has connected a new nuclear reactor block to the grid, marking a significant step in its energy strategy. This fourth reactor at the Mochovce site in western Slovakia began supplying electricity in mid-October 2026 after achieving criticality in August. With this addition, Slovakia aims to become the country with the highest share of nuclear power in its energy mix globally. The project faced delays and cost overruns, with construction beginning in the 1980s during socialist times before being halted until 2008. The reactor uses Soviet-era technology with fuel rods sourced from Russia. Despite past issues during the commissioning of the third block, including technical problems and material defects, officials claim improvements were made for the fourth block. Prime Minister Robert Fico highlights the importance of nuclear energy for energy security and low-emission power generation, noting that more than 70% of Slovakia’s electricity currently comes from nuclear sources, more than France. Plans are underway for a new nuclear power plant, further solidifying Slovakia’s position as a leading nuclear energy producer.
The Slovak Republic has connected a new nuclear reactor block to its power grid, marking a significant shift in Europe's energy landscape. This development positions Slovakia as having the highest share of nuclear energy in its electricity mix globally, surpassing France. The fourth unit at the Mochovce site in western Slovakia began feeding electricity into the grid in mid-October after achieving criticality, a stable chain reaction, in August. According to Branislav Strycek, head of Slovenské elektrárne, this milestone demonstrates that even smaller nations can achieve major infrastructure feats. He noted that four reactors have been commissioned in Europe over the past two decades, with two located in Slovakia. Construction of the reactor started in the 1980s during socialist times but was halted until 2008. The pressurized water reactor uses Soviet technology, with fuel rods sourced from Russia. The project’s costs have more than doubled to €6.7 billion. The government plans to collaborate with American firm Westinghouse and French company Framatome for future projects, though the French partner seeks Russian involvement in fuel production, which has drawn criticism in Germany. Marta Ziakova, head of Slovakia’s nuclear regulatory authority, stated that lessons learned from earlier issues with the third unit led to smoother operations for the fourth. She emphasized that there were no delays in bringing the fourth unit online. The new reactor has a capacity of 471 megawatts and is expected to supply around 13 percent of Slovakia’s annual electricity demand once fully operational by the end of the year. Prime Minister Robert Fico described the launch as a milestone toward greater energy security and low-emission power sources. He highlighted that over 70 percent of Slovakia’s electricity currently comes from nuclear power, exceeding France’s current share. Fico expressed confidence that further nuclear ambitions would enhance Slovakia’s status as an atomic power. Plans are underway for a new mega-power plant at the Jaslovské Bohunice site, with a projected capacity of 1,200 megawatts for post-2040 use. The contract is set to go to Westinghouse without a public tender. Fico signed a memorandum with former U.S. President Donald Trump in January, drawing criticism from opposition parties who questioned the need and cost of the project. Despite high debt and unpopular austerity measures, Fico decided to take control of the project company, purchasing shares from the Czech energy group CEZ for €189 million. Following the commissioning of Mochovce 4, the Slovak state now has the option to reclaim majority ownership of the previous nuclear operator. The new reactor block produces 10 gigawatt-hours of electricity daily, compared to Isar 2 in Germany, which supplied up to 33 gigawatt-hours daily before its shutdown in April 2023. Isar 2 generated over 335 terawatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to more than two-thirds of Germany’s annual consumption. The Mochovce plant consists of four units using Russian-designed WWER 440-213 reactors without safety shells. Units 1 and 2 have been operational since 1998, while Unit 3 came online in 2023. The structures lack adequate protection against aircraft crashes, holding up only to light sport planes. Similar reactors were decommissioned in Germany, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic following EU regulations requiring upgrades to meet European safety standards. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed serious safety gaps in 2020, which were addressed through controversial measures such as crash nets to mitigate risks from potential aircraft impacts. In contrast, Isar 2, part of the Konvoi series, features advanced safety systems including a containment shell designed to prevent radioactive leaks during accidents. It is equipped to withstand military jet crashes and includes passive safety mechanisms like a core catcher to manage extreme scenarios. Despite these features, Isar 2 lacks a core catcher system, a feature present in newer EPR reactors. Germany's decision to shut down Isar 2 highlights a divergence in nuclear policy within Europe, with Slovakia continuing to expand its nuclear capabilities while Germany phases out its reactors. This contrast underscores varying approaches to nuclear energy across the continent.
The Slovak Republic has connected a new nuclear reactor block to the grid, marking a significant step in its energy strategy. This fourth reactor at the Mochovce site in western Slovakia began supplying electricity in mid-October 2026 after achieving criticality in August. With this addition, Slovakia aims to become the country with the highest share of nuclear power in its energy mix globally. The project faced delays and cost overruns, with construction beginning in the 1980s during socialist times before being halted until 2008. The reactor uses Soviet-era technology with fuel rods sourced from Russia. Despite past issues during the commissioning of the third block, including technical problems and material defects, officials claim improvements were made for the fourth block. Prime Minister Robert Fico highlights the importance of nuclear energy for energy security and low-emission power generation, noting that more than 70% of Slovakia’s electricity currently comes from nuclear sources, more than France. Plans are underway for a new nuclear power plant, further solidifying Slovakia’s position as a leading nuclear energy producer.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about Slovakia's nuclear developments, including technical details, historical context, and quotes from officials and experts. It does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of opposing viewpoints. The framing remains neutral, as
On October 15, Block 4 of the Mochovce Nuclear Power Plant in Slovakia was connected to the grid for the first time and now generates 10 gigawatt-hours of electricity daily. This occurred just 450 kilometers away from Germany, where the decommissioning of the Isar 2 nuclear power plant was fully approved on October 7. Isar 2 had previously generated up to 33 gigawatt-hours per day before its shutdown in April 2023 and produced over 335 terawatt-hours of electricity in total, more than two-thirds of Germany’s annual consumption. The newly commissioned Block 4 at Mochovce has been under construction since 1985, with delays due to financial issues and multiple ownership changes. It uses Russian WWER 440-213 reactors without containment shells. In contrast, Isar 2, part of the western-built Konvoi series, is described as one of the safest and most economical nuclear plants globally, with safety features comparable to modern EPR reactors.
Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights the stark contrast between the continued operation of older Soviet-designed reactors in Slovakia and the decommissioning of a safer Western reactor in Germany. It emphasizes the safety concerns of the Mochovce reactors while portraying Isar 2 as a model of safety, suggesting a
How each side covered it
The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.
progressive
center
conservative
★
How each side covered it
Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.
Germany
