- Electricity today is becoming a commodity as valuable as gold – not only in terms of price, but above all in terms of its strategic importance for the development of modern technologies and society as a whole.
- If we want high added value to remain at home, we need to actively support the creation of an ecosystem – not just capacity, but also know-how, companies, and people.
- An agreement with Westinghouse, a global technological leader in nuclear energy, can be not only a technical but also a geopolitical decision.
The planned agreement with Westinghouse on supplying a nuclear power source for Slovakia is a constructive topic that deserves broader expert discussion. It is about much more than just the construction of an energy source – it is a strategic decision with an impact on the entire economy of the country and its position in the future. Electricity today is becoming a commodity as valuable as gold – not only in terms of price but, above all, in terms of its strategic significance for the development of modern technologies and society as such.
At a time when the number of electric vehicles is rising and the demand for computing capacity for artificial intelligence (AI) is growing rapidly, the need for a stable and long-term sustainable energy mix is becoming an absolute priority. The question of whether Slovakia needs a new nuclear source is therefore clearly answered: yes.
Industry, AI, and the Opportunity We Cannot Afford to Miss
Nuclear energy has the potential to be the foundation for the emergence of entirely new sectors that are energy-intensive – whether it is data centers, AI technology development, or modern manufacturing with a high degree of electrification. But it is important to avoid the mistakes of the past. Slovakia, in the automotive industry, became primarily an assembly line, while the real value – development, decision-making, profit – was concentrated abroad. In the case of AI, computing, or data centers, we could end up the same way if we remain only passive hosts of infrastructure without a strong local foundation.
If we want high added value to stay at home, we need to actively support the creation of an ecosystem – not just capacity, but also know-how, companies, and people. Yes, it is appropriate to ask about the time horizon of a large nuclear project. In the most optimistic scenario, its commissioning is expected in 10–12 years. But the key is to start as soon as possible while also seeking complementary solutions.
That is why I consider it important that, alongside the large nuclear source, the development and preparation of small modular reactor (SMR) projects also takes place. These have the potential to cover local needs more quickly and flexibly. At the same time, it would be a clear signal to the world that Slovakia is serious about energy security and innovation.
Westinghouse: An Energy and Geopolitical Choice
The choice of supplier is, of course, a sensitive question. But an agreement with Westinghouse, which is among the technological leaders in nuclear energy, can be not only a technical but also a geopolitical decision. At the same time, it could be one of the few initiatives in recent years with the potential to bring long-term economic benefits, increase our energy sovereignty, and contribute to European climate goals.
Slovakia stands on the threshold of a new energy and technological era. The decisions we make today in the field of nuclear energy will determine not only whether we will have enough electricity, but whether we will be able to build on it a new, high-performing, and sovereign economy.
Author: Peter Blaškovitš for online portal HNonline.sk
