Project Highlights
- The feasibility study found that Slovakia is well-positioned to explore SMRs at any of four potential sites, that met key screening criteria for safety and security.
Project Description
Slovakia is exploring SMRs to improve energy security, and support sustainable economic growth. Under the State Department’s FIRST program, Sargent & Lundy conducted a feasibility study to provide technical support and guidance regarding safe and compliant SMR deployment.
The study examined multiple sites in Slovakia to determine if SMRs could complement the country’s existing nuclear fleet and industrial base while helping meet Slovakia’s energy policy commitments. The resulting analysis found that four sites satisfied key screening requirements and that multiple mature SMR technologies may align with Slovakia’s objectives, giving policymakers and utilities a basis for evaluating next steps for potential SMR deployment in the late 2030s.
Images provided by Slovenské elektrárne.
Project Scope
The firm conducted a full SMR feasibility study with comprehensive site assessments across nuclear, coal, and industrial locations, evaluating each for suitability using high-level, risk-based criteria following applicable international standards and guidelines published by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The scope included:
- Siting assessments including characterizing safety, security, and environmental considerations at each proposed site.
- Assessing existing nuclear and industrial infrastructure.
- Evaluating grid connections, cooling‑water availability, and logistics.
- Assessing mature SMR technologies to meet Slovak requirements.
- Reviewing Slovak and other European regulatory and licensing frameworks.
- Analyzing economic impacts, including overnight cost estimates and reviews for funding and financing options.
- Developing community engagement and workforce transition plans to address public acceptance, local benefits, and workforce impacts.
Sargent & Lundy consolidated technical findings into reports summarizing site suitability, outlining possible deployment of mature SMR technologies and identifying key programmatic steps required for development. The firm is also implementing similar feasibility studies and coordinating SMR deployment technical assistance in 14 countries across Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia under separate State Department projects.
