A new nuclear build project is a strategic investment decided by the Government of the Slovak Republic and is of fundamental importance for the long-term energy security of the country. It is a project with a preliminary investment framework of several billion euros, a long construction period and a lifespan exceeding several decades, while the financing conditions will have a decisive impact on its total costs. The preparation of the project is therefore entering the next phase, the aim of which is to set an optimal and long-term sustainable financing model.
In this phase, the financial and economic foundations of the project are being created. A well-prepared financial model is essential to ensure stable and affordable electricity supplies for both households and industry. Even seemingly minor decisions regarding the financing structure, risk allocation or timing can have a significant impact on public finance. Thorough financial preparation, detailed modeling and comprehensive economic assessment are therefore key to ensuring value for money and predictability of the long-term impacts of the project. The role of the financial advisor is to have the technical solutions and strategic decisions of the state reflected in a clear, sustainable economic framework that will enable the project to smoothly transition to the implementation phase.
The tender for a financial advisor was announced on 3 June 2025 by company JAVYS, a. s. (state-owned joint stock company). This invitation to tender was also published in the Official Journal of the European Union and in the Official Gazette of the Slovak Republic, it was held in two rounds and three companies participated. Only tenderers with proven relevant experience advanced to the evaluation of the price offers. The estimated value of the contract was set at EUR 15 million excluding VAT, while the winning tender price reached the amount of EUR 13.9 million excluding VAT. The winner was Rothschild & Co. The selected tenderer brings extensive international experience in financial advisory for large energy and infrastructure investments to the project. Rothschild & Co. also have many years of experience in preparing nuclear projects in Europe, including the Sizewell C project in the United Kingdom and planned completion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. This experience represents significant professional and strategic added value for Slovakia.
The financial advisor will provide the country with professional support, particularly in preparing and defending the financial structure of the project in European Union state aid processes, in applying proven solutions from large nuclear projects, as well as in preparing the project for a smooth transition to the financing and implementation phase.
From the perspective of the Slovak Republic, this partnership strengthens the state's position in negotiations with the European Commission and potential domestic and international financial partners. It brings a higher level of transparency, clarity and predictability of long-term costs and enables responsible risk sharing. Slovakia will thus enter the next phase of the project prepared, with high-quality analyses, documentation and financial structures necessary for the successful implementation of the strategic goal in the power industry.
JAVYS, a. s. is a state-owned joint stock company responsible for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, management of radioactive waste, spent nuclear fuel and development projects in the field of nuclear energy. It implements key projects as part of the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle, with an emphasis on nuclear safety, environmental standards and sustainable development of the Slovak Republic. JAVYS, a.s. is also the majority owner of company JESS, which holds crucial licenses and land for the construction of a new nuclear power plant in Jaslovské Bohunice.
Peter Podstupka
Communications Manager
