The President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, visited Jadrová a vyraďovacia spoločnosť a.s. (JAVYS) today in Jaslovské Bohunice, where he learned about the company’s activities in the area of nuclear facility decommissioning, radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management, as well as upcoming development projects in the nuclear energy sector.
During his visit, the president held working meetings with management of the company and its subsidiaries, Jadrová energetická spoločnosť, a.s. (JESS) and Newvys, a.s., which are involved in preparing the nuclear new-build project in Jaslovské Bohunice and in development and preparation process for deployment of small modular reactors utilizing spent nuclear fuel from currently operating nuclear power plants in Slovakia. The technical discussion was followed by a site visit at selected facilities. The president’s delegation visited the Interim Spent Fuel Storage facility, where spent nuclear fuel from Slovakia’s nuclear power plants is stored, and selected areas of the decommissioned V1 NPP, where one of the most significant nuclear decommissioning projects in Europe is currently underway.
“JAVYS and its subsidiaries currently employ exceptionally experienced people and are developing projects that are vital to Slovakia’s future. I believe it is important for this expertise to be retained in Slovakia and to be further developed in the future. Not just for the next year or two, but for the future that awaits us in ten or twenty years,” said Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic, at a press conference held in the turbine hall of the decommissioned V1 NPP.
“Today, JAVYS is a company that not only safely closes the chapter on Slovakia’s nuclear past, but also actively participates in shaping its energy future. Our experience with decommissioning and management of radioactive materials allows us to be a partner in new projects that are of strategic importance to Slovakia,” said Peter Gerhart, Chairman of the Board of Directors of JAVYS.
“We are very pleased that the president took the time not only to engage in a technical discussion about the future of nuclear energy, but also to personally visit the facilities where we safely store spent nuclear fuel and, of course, the site of the V1 nuclear power plant, which is currently being decommissioned,” added Miroslav Obert, CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of JAVYS.
JAVYS is a 100% state-owned company responsible for the so-called back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle in Slovakia. Its main activities include the decommissioning of the A1 and V1 nuclear power plants, processing and disposal of radioactive waste, including the operation of the National Radioactive Waste Repository in Mochovce and safe management of spent nuclear fuel.
The V1 nuclear power plant decommissioning is proceeding systematically in accordance with international standards and is entering its final phase, which includes the demolition of buildings and structures as well as preparation of the site for future use. At the same time, the long-term and technologically demanding process of the A1 NPP decommissioning continues; this project is among the most complex of its kind in Europe.
The company is also expanding its activities in the field of new nuclear projects through its subsidiaries. Through Newvys, it is involved in the development of advanced modular reactors, which represent a promising solution for safe, low-emission electricity generation and enable more efficient utilization of spent nuclear fuel.
Another part of these development activities is nuclear new-build project at the Jaslovské Bohunice site, which is being prepared by company JESS. This project is considered a strategic investment by the Slovak Republic in the areas of energy security and stability of electricity supply.
“The nuclear new-build project is a strategic initiative that is a vital part of Slovakia’s energy future. It is a long-term and complex process that requires thorough planning and close coordination at both the national and international levels. Our company is therefore systematically working on its preparation to ensure that it is implemented safely, efficiently, and in accordance with the highest international standards,” said Tomáš Vavruška, CEO of Jadrová energetická spoločnosť Slovenska (JESS).
CEO of company Newvys, Ondrej Uhrík, updated the president on the company’s plans: “The reactors we are developing in collaboration with our French partner operate on the basis of fast neutrons and use liquid lead cooling. This technology is particularly groundbreaking in the area of spent nuclear fuel management, as it enables its effective recycling. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is of strategic importance for strengthening the country’s energy self-sufficiency,” said Ondrej Uhrík.
The visit by the President of the Slovak Republic underscores the importance of company JAVYS, which for twenty years has been one of the key pillars of the nuclear energy sector in Slovakia, and its irreplaceable role in ensuring the safe and responsible management of the country’s nuclear legacy.
About JAVYS, a. s.:
JAVYS, a.s. is responsible for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. It implements key back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle projects, with an emphasis on nuclear safety, environmental standards and sustainable development of the Slovak Republic.
Peter Podstupka
Communications Manager
