Slovakia’s nuclear regulator UJD has approved the fuel loading and commissioning of the Mochovce-3 nuclear power plant and has issued related permits for the management of radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel.

UJD said it had “thoroughly evaluated” all areas related to the readiness of the plant and that the loading of first nuclear fuel had been approved. However, the regulator said fuel could be loaded into the reactor only after the decision takes legal effect, which can take months if parties or members of the public raise protests.

The issue of the permits was preceded by “extensive inspection, control and analytical activities of UJD inspectors and their external support”, a statement said.