The integrated regulatory review service (IRRS) team also noted areas where the framework could be improved, for example by increasing coordination between different national authorities involved in regulatory oversight.
The team said Slovakia should further develop a national nuclear emergency plan and increase the independence of the radiation protection departments of the public health authority and regional public health authorities, and the ministry of transport and construction.
It called for improvement in cooperation and coordination between the different regulatory authorities.
The IAEA said the IRRS mission will be followed by an integrated review service for radioactive waste and spent fuel, decommissioning and remediation (Artemis) mission in early 2023.
Slovakia operates four commercial nuclear reactors – two at Mochovce and two in at Bohunice, which together generate 52.3% of the country’s electricity. Slovakia has authorised the operation of Mochovce-3, which is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2022.
Slovakia is building two Russia-designed VVER-440 units at Mochovce, about 100 km east of the capital Bratislava. Earlier this month power company Slovenske Elektrarne said the first fuel loading had been completed at Mochove-3, marking the beginning of the reactor startup process.
