Slovenian state-own energy group Gen-Energija will make a final investment decision on the construction of a second unit at Krško nuclear power station by 2027.

The Nuclear Society of Slovenia told NucNet that the permit was issued to Gen-Energija and a second plant at Krško, whose existing plant is co-owned with Croatia, is currently a Slovenian project only.

“If things get tighter in the market, we will be under pressure to make that decision tomorrow,” daily newspaper Delo quoted the company’s chief operating officer Danijel Levicar as saying.

A single nuclear plant is not enough to cover rising energy demand given power shortage faced by the entire southeast Europe region, Mr Levicar said. “A second reactor unit at Krško would significantly ease electricity prices,” he added.