SLOVAKIA

(updated on Nov. 2005)

1.  ENERGY, ECONOMIC AND ELECTRICITY INFORMATION

1.1.  General Overview

The size of the Slovak Republic is 49 036 km2 with 40% of the area situated up to the elevation of 300 m, 45% at the elevation between 300 and 800 m, and 15% at the elevation above 800 m. The lowest point is the mouth of Bodrog river at the elevation of 94 m and the highest situated point is Gerlachov peak at the elevation of 2655 m. Agricultural surface covers 49.9% from the entire Slovak territory, and forest surface 40.6%. The longest dimension in the east-west direction is 428 km and in the north-south direction 195 km. The Slovak Republic is a new country situated in the Central Europe. It was established on January 1, 1993. It is situated between 16º50'04" and 22º34'20" of east longitude, and between 47º35'55" and 49º36'54" of northern latitude (Fig. 1) in mild zone. The average annual temperature - a long-term average between 1901 and 1950 - is 10.1ºC in Bratislava and the average rainfall is 670 mm. Table 1 shows typical parameters from the Meteorological stations Jaslovské Bohunice and Mochovce. In 2004, there were about 5 385 000 inhabitants and the density of the population was 110 inhabitants per km2. 2 170 400 people were economically active, out of which 641 300 in industry and 109 800 in agriculture.

TABLE 1. SELECTED PARAMETERS FROM METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS IN BOHUNICE AND MOCHOVCE

The development of the gross domestic product (GDP) over the last ten years is shown in Fig 2. The 2004 Share of generating assests on total installed capacity is shown in Fig. 3.

1.2. Energy Policy

The main goal is to achieve a necessary assurance in obtaining energy resources and to focus the Slovak energy economy on effective and environmentally friendly technologies of electricity generation, on higher use of renewables and secondary resources of energy, and on introduction of energy-saving production technologies and consumers, in which way a gradual reduction of the energy demands and of the absolute energy consumption will be provided.

The Energy Concepts for Slovakia till 2005 accepted by the Government decision No. 562/1993 define the principle objectives of and bases for the energy policy, analyze the current conditions of power economy and specify the strategy for assuring fuels and energy for the economy. These Energy Concepts were developed for the first time for the conditions of independent, national energy system. The philosophy of the concepts is based on a rational approach to both generation and consumption of electricity.

The Energy Concepts follow the concepts of industrial policy according to which the 1990 level of energy consumption will be reached between 2000 and 2003. A gradual restoration of the economic growth is expected with the increase of electricity consumption by approximately 2% annually. The approach to the assurance of resources that will meet the requirements of consumption has been changed drastically.

The fundamental strategic goal of the energy policy is to ensure fuel and energy for all consumers. The energy shall be:

1. produced with the lowest costs and impacts on the environment;
2. transported to the consumer safely and reliably and in the quality required;
3. used in the field of generation, transport and consumption as effective as possible.

One of energy policy priorities is to restore sound environment by reducing emissions of polluting materials in line with the accepted multilateral Convention on Remote Atmosphere Pollution from 1979 in Geneva, the protocols from Helsinki and Sofia on reduction of SO2 and NOx emissions, as well as the Declaration from The Hague. The following commitments resulted for Slovakia from the above documents:

1. to reduce SO2 emissions by 30% in comparison with 1990 till 1993;
2. not to exceed the level of annual NOx emissions in 1987 by the end of 1994;
3. to reduce CO2 production by 20% against 1988 till 2005.

These specified tasks (only I) and ii)) in the power industry have been fulfilled up to now and there are expectations for their further successful fulfillment within the framework of the accepted "Energy Concepts of the Slovak Republic till 2005". Table 9 shows the emissions of steam power plants from SE a.s.

TABLE 9. EFFLUENTS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT FROM STEAM POWER PLANTS OF SE

The fundamental document, defining main targets, directions and framework of power development, is the Power Policy of the Slovak Republic approved by the Slovak government decree No. 5 dated 12 January 2000.

The power policy defines the framework for new orientation of the power sector and has three pillars:

1. preparation for the integration into internal markets of the European Union,
2. security in power supplies,
3. sustainable development.

The main target of the preparation for integration into the EU internal markets is transformation of the power sector into a compatible one that is able and prepared to be incorporated into a united European market. The power sector transformation is conditioned by meeting the basic measures: restructuralization and privatization of power utilities, establishment of independent regulatory authority, making energy prices more realistic for all categories of consumers, completion and approval of legislation adapting power sector.

The intentions of the power policy are as follows:

• create competitive power sector able to access EU;
• establish conditions for stakeholders to enter electricity grid and to create competitive environment;
• minimize involvement of the state in the direct control of the sector;
• ensure non-discriminating and transparent conditions for all subjects participating in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of power;
• make possible a gradual liberalization of power market for legitimate customers.

Another important measure related to nuclear power sector is the governmental decree on the closure of the two oldest units at the Bohunice V-1 nuclear power plant (EBO) in 2006 and 2008, respectively. By implementing a programme of modernization and safety upgrading of the V-2 Bohunice nuclear power plant, extension of the V-2 design lifetime will be enabled with the high level of safety maintained. The decision on the completion of Mochovce units 3 and 4 will depend on the interest of a strategic partner, as no guaranty of the state is possible.

In the field of electric power sector it is expected that a major part in the increase of electricity demand will be covered by developing the production of independent generators, mainly based on steam-gas cycle.

The development of heat supply systems, based mainly on centralized methods of heat supply for communal consumption and industrial technology processes, will depend on accelerated elimination of deformations in the prices of electricity and natural gas. The process of making these prices more realistic has been already launched according to a time schedule accepted. A profitable geography position and significant location of Slovakia in regard to transit of natural gas through its territory into Western Europe create good preconditions for building a "Gas Centre" with European-wide importance. Notwithstanding the high level of reliability of gas supply from the Russian Federation, it will be necessary to look for possibilities in diversification of gas imports from other territories. A similar suitable situation relates to the strategic assurance of oil imports. In line with EU legislation and with a bill under preparation on mandatory reserves of oil products, capacities for the storage of mandatory oil reserves (90-day reserve) will be gradually built. Based on a government decision to use preferentially for electricity production (up to the amount of 10% from total electricity consumption) domestic brown coal, that is the only significant fuel source, gradual extraction of coal and lignite resources in line with mining capabilities will be made possible. Protection of the environment is one of determining factors of the power policy. The legislation framework in effect and international obligations of Slovakia in the area of reduction of the production of emission materials provide the starting point for the acceptance of programs for emission reduction and increased utilization of renewable resources. For the implementation of these programs, coordinated progress of a number of industrial sectors and incorporation into practice of system measures in the field of tax and price policies, ecology and legislation is needed.

2.  NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION

2.1.  Historical Development and current nuclear power organizational structure

2.1.1.  Overview

Brief overview of main decisions and events related to the implementation and development  of the nuclear programmes is given as follows.

A-1 Bohunice:

1956 Intergovernmental agreement between the former USSR and CSSR on the construction of an industrial-research nuclear power plant on the territory of CSSR.

1957 Establishment of an investment enterprise Nuclear Power Plant A-1 by the decision of the Governmental Committee for Nuclear Energy and of the Authority for Nuclear Power Management.

1958 Beginning of A-1 construction.

1972 The research and development reactor KS 150 at A-1 reached criticality. Gradual increase of the electric output up to the maximum value of 127 MW. Connection of A-1 to the electric grid.

1976 First serious incident at the KS-150 reactor.

1977 The decisive severe accident during reactor refuelling.

1978 Decision of CSSR government to decommission A-1.

1992 Slovak government accepted the global concepts and schedule of A-1 decommissioning.

1999 UJD issued decision No. 137/1999 - approving decommissioning plan for decommissioning NPP A-1 - Stage 1 - scheduled till 2007 - plant status will be - all spent fuel permanently removed from the plant, majority of liquid RAWs adjusted to a form enabling safe final disposal; all remaining RAWs treated to a form enabling their safe permanent disposal or long-term storage; the necessary decontamination of premises and rooms performed.

1999 Last two transports of spent nuclear fuel took place - all spent fuel produced during the operation has been transported from the site back to the Russian Federation. 

V-1 Bohunice:

1969 Decision of the State Planning Commission of CSSR based on an agreement with USSR to start the construction of nuclear power plants with pressurized water reactors of VVER 440 type.

1970 Decision of CSSR and USSR governments to supply two nuclear power plants each with two VVER reactors 440 MW.

1971 Establishment of affiliated organization in Jaslovské Bohunice.

1973 Laying of foundation stone for the construction of main production building.

1978 V-1 Unit 1 reactor made critical.

1979 Commissioning of V-1 Unit 1 into trial operation.

1980 Commissioning of V-1 Unit 1 into commercial operation. V-1 Unit 2 reactor made critical. Commissioning of V-1 Unit 2 into trial operation.

1981 Commissioning of V-1 Unit 2 into commercial operation.

1984 Re-evaluation of V-1 safety.

1986 Other safety measures to enhance nuclear safety.

1990 Execution of reviews to evaluate V-1 conditions.

1991 CSKAE Decision about V-1 operation based on implementation of additional safety measures.

1991-1995 Implementation of Phase 1 measures to upgrade safety by backfitting V-1 units.

1995-2000 Implementation of Phase 2 measures with the objective to achieve European standards and maintain V-1 in operation.

2001 ÚJD issued decisions No. 144 & 220/2001, approving further operation of Unit 1&2.

V-2 Bohunice:

1976 Agreement signed with USSR on the construction of V-2 in Jaslovské Bohunice. Beginning of V-2 construction.

1984 V-2 Unit 1 reactor made critical. Commissioning of V-2 Unit 1 into trial operation.

1985 Commissioning of V-2 Unit 1 into commercial operation. V-2 Unit 2 reactor made critical. Commissioning of V-2 Unit 2 into trial operation. Commissioning of V-2 Unit 2 into commercial operation.

2000-2001 Concept of modernization and safety upgrading elaborated – approved by UJD decisions No. 214/2000 and No. 250/2001.

Mochovce:

1974 Preparatory studies, survey works, sociology survey.

1978 Federal Ministry of Fuel and Power approved an investment intention to construct two twin-reactor units with the capacity of 440 MW each.

1981 Physical start of Mochovce construction.

1983 Establishment of a concern enterprise Atomic Power Plants Mochovce with its headquarters in Mochovce.

1989 The original deadline for Mochovce Unit 1 commissioning failed to be met due to necessary replacement of inadequate instrumentation and control system.

1995 The way of funding the construction of Mochovce Units 1 and 2 was still open, construction and installation works continued in a minimum extent only. (The funding of Mochovce completion was resolved by the Government Decision No.339/96 dated May 14,1996).

1998 Commissioning of Unit 1 - reactor reached first criticality on 9. 6. 1998

1999 Unit 1 in commercial operation since 23. 4. 1999.

         Commissioning of Unit 2 - reactor reached first criticality on 1.12.1999.

2000 Unit 2 in commercial operation since 31.10.2000.

Government decree - 257/2000 - government did not suspended the completion of the construction of units 3 and 4; rather it decided to abstain from granting sovereign guarantees for loans to be used to finance the completion  (construction frozen since 1994).

2.1.2.  Current Organizational Chart(s)

Under Act No. 541/2004 Coll. on peaceful uses of nuclear energy, the supervision of peaceful use of nuclear energy is performed by government authorities within their competencies laid down in the relevant acts by the scheme shown in the following figure.

Nuclear installation licensing procedure

The licensing procedure consists of three major stages: sitting, construction, commencement and permanent operation. Before granting a licence for permanent operation, the regulatory authority carries out control under the approved programs for hot and cold testing and grants approval for fuel loading, physical start up, energy start up and trial operation..

The basic condition essential to licensing in terms of nuclear safety is to prepare and submit a Safety Analysis Report and other prescribed safety documentation and to meet the conditions of the regulatory authority’s preceding licensing procedures and decisions.

Till the end of November 2004, regional offices issued their decisions on sitting, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations following permission from UJD, the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic, labour inspection authorities and other state administration authorities and organisations (see the figure below). On 1 December 2004 new Atomic Act No. 541/2004 Coll. came into effect, giving the UJD competencies in issuing  decisions/ permits on construction and operation of nuclear installations. In that case the regional office in the figure is replaced by UJD.

A licence holder is responsible for the safety of a nuclear installation.

2.2.  Nuclear Power Plants: Status and Operations

Slovenské Elektrárne a joint stock company is the largest electricity generation company in the Slovak Republic. In point of nuclear, the Company operates Bohunice nuclear power plant (4 units) and  Mochovce nuclear power plant (2 units) with total installed capacity of  2 640 MW. 

Bohunice

The Bohunice power plant comprises four nuclear reactors configured in two twin units, V-1 and V-2, which are situated at Bohunice, approximately 60 km northeast of the Slovak capital, Bratislava.  Each reactor drives two 220 MW Skoda generators, providing a combined plant capacity of 1,760 MW. The Bohunice V-2 plant also supplies up to 170MWth of heat.

The two V-1 reactors are pressurized water reactors VVER-440/V230 of Soviet design, which were significantly upgraded mainly in two safety improvement programs between 1990-2000.

The two V-2 reactors are of improved pressurized water reactors VVER-440/V213, currently under stepwise (during annual outages) implementation of major modernization and safety upgrading program.

Mochovce

The Mochovce NPP is situated in the south of Slovakia near the town Levice.  Two reactors, Unit 1 and Unit 2 each drives two 220 MW Skoda generators, providing a combined plant capacity of 880 MW.  Design bases is improved comparing to similar NPPs by implementation of number of safety measures, mainly before plant commisssioning (addressing safety issues of higher safety significance) or within first years of operation (safety issues of lower safety significance). No heat is supplied to external industries or district heating from Mochovce site. 

Construction of two further units, 3&4, has been suspended in middle 90-ties. By its Resolution No. 257/2000 of 19 April 2000, the Slovak Government did not suspended the completion of the construction of NPP Mochovce units 3 and 4; rather it decided to abstain from granting sovereign guarantees for loans to be used to finance the completion.  In this way, the option of NPP Mochovce 3 and 4 being completed by foreign investors and/or foreign investors participating in the power energy privatization process through investments into units under construction has not been ruled out, and SE, a.s. was given the opportunity to officially negotiate with potential investors.

With a view to distinguish the cost for the energy production on units 1 and 2 from the costs connected with the possible completion  of units 3 and 4,  SE, a.s.´s Board decided to establish a new branch plant of SE termed Mochovce Units 3 and 4 (acronym SE-MO34). The scope of SE-MO34´s activities includes  activities such as administration and conservation of units 3 and 4.

2.2.1. Status of nuclear power plants

Transmission system of Slovak Republic

map of powerplants: http://www.seas.sk/power-plants/

TABLE 14. STATUS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

2.2.2. Performance of NPPs

Slovenské Elektrárne, joint stock company is the largest electricity generation company in the Slovak Republic. At present the Company does not have a monopoly position, but remains to be a dominant producer of electric power in the Slovak Republic. The Company owns and operates a power generation portfolio of 6,881 MW in Slovakia (by the end of 2003), of which 38% are in nuclear power plants, 27% in conventional thermal power plants and 35% in hydro power plants.

Bohunice and Mochovce units have been operating according to yearly, mothly, weekly and daily plans agreed with Slovak trasmission lines company and actual requirements of Slovak dispatching center, depending on current power consumption and status and needs of the energy system. Nuclear units were basicaly operated  in following regimes:

·    base load at full nominal power,

·    load reduction in tertiary regulation of active power (between 50-90% of nominal power), mainly during weekends and in summer time;

·    in addition, Bohunice V-1 and V-2 units were operated in primary control of active frequency (with power reduced to 96-97%), and the V-2 units also in secondary control of active power (with power reduced to 93%.

Plants were designed to allow thermal cycling bound with above load changes. Their impact on ageing (mainly due to fatigue reasons) of main reactor coolant system components is annually calculated, based on actual unit data records and evaluated taking into account their residual life time.

Plant availability of Slovak nuclear units is comparable with WANO average value. UCF and UCLF values in 2003 are given in the table. In point of UCLF, results have been successful, except of Mochovce unit 1. The reason of relatively high unplanned capability losses was the fact that the unit was shutdown (for 16 days) immediately after planned outage for refueling, because of unsealing two out of four rings of main reactor pressure vessel flange.

In 2003 Nuclear Power plants in Slovakia generated 17 863,9 GWh, from that Bohunice 11 625,4 GWh and Mochovce 6 238,5 GWh. It represents 68,6% of the  SE company generation or  57,4% of the total generation in Slovakia.

Table 13 presents some basic operating data and Table 14 shows the status of nuclear power plants in the Slovak Republic. The costs of one MWh delivered from all units include also contribution to the State Fund for Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Installations - 350 000,- SKK per installed MW and 6,8 per cent of revenues comming from actual electricity supplied.

TABLE 13. BASIC DATA OF OPERATING NPPs

2.2.3 Plant upgrading and plant life management

Reactor Type V-1

2x440 MW VVER V-230

Based on recommendations from IAEA and EC experts, the so called "small backfitting" of V-1 was carried out between 1991 and 1992, with the costs of 2 million Sk, and focused mainly on:

• improving confinement integrity;

• upgrading seismic resistance;

• analyzing reactor pressure vessel life;

• backfitting fire protection systems;

• annealing reactor pressure vessels;

• installing another diesel generator and new distributions of essential power supply;

• verifying validity of the "leak before break" (LBB) principle at reactor coolant system. The implementation of these actions was a prerequisite for the operation of the V-1 plant till 1995. According to the ÚJD SR Decision No.1/94, the prerequisite for further operation after 1995 was to implement the so called "gradual upgrading" between 1996 to 2000 with the costs of 8.000 million Sk. The content of this extensive backfitting program included among others following:

• further improvement of confinement integrity;

• modifications of core cooling during both operation and loss of coolant accidents;

• modifications of emergency power supply for cooling systems and introduction of off-site emergency power supply from the near-by hydroelectric power plant;

• replacement of the reactor protection system for a new digital one TELEPERM XS and significant improvements of other instrumentation and control systems;

• improvement of fire resistance;

• enhancement of the levels of quality assurance, safety, operating procedures, documents for personnel training, emergency planning etc.

The gradual reconstruction was implemented in line with the schedule approved by the UJD SR. It was partly performed during normal operation of V-1 units, but mainly during planed unit refuelling outages and overhauls. The outages were extended depending on the extend of the upgrading works to be performed. The program was accomplished by Unit 1 start-up in June 2000. The IAEA Review of Major Upgrading Results at Bohunice WWER-440/230 NPP Units 1 and 2 held in November 2000 on invitation of the Slovak government stated that:

• Comprehensive and well justified safety upgrading program has been developed and implemented.

• The program defines new safety case which satisfies the Slovak national requirements – coping DBA – LOCA 2x200 mm (conserv. app.), BDBA – LOCA 2x500 mm (best estim. app.).

• All IAEA recommendations for WWER-440/230 type of reactors were addressed, intent of recommendations is met, in some areas measures go even beyond expectations.

The completion of the reconstruction works resulted in a significant improvement of NPP V-1´s nuclear safety standard, thus achieving the internationally acceptable standards of safety and operating reliability.

Based on the IAEA safety review as well on their own assessment UJD issued decisions No. 144/2001 and No. 220/2001, approving further operation of Unit 1 and 2.

Operational safety of NPP V-1 was further enhanced by implementation of symtom based emergency operating procedures, which were put in place in December 2003. These procedures were developed, similarly as for Bohunice V-2 and Mochovce NPP, in co-operation with Westinghouse Electric Europe.

However during negotiations on Slovak accession to the EU, the Slovak government decided to close the V-1 Unit 1 in 2006 and the V-1 Unit 2 in 2008.

Reactor Type V-2

EBO - 2 x 440 MW VVER 213

Most extensive long-term program of SE, a.s. is currently being implemented at Unit 3 and 4 at Bohunice, with planned investment costs more than 10 bil. Sk. Schedule and content of tthis „NPP Bohunice V-2 Units Upgrading and Safety Improvement Program“ was approved by UJD decisions No. 214/2000 and No. 250/2001. The aim of this program is to increase the level of safety of NPP V-2 according to the IAEA recommendations for the WWER-440/213 reactor design, as defined in the IAEA EBP-WWER-03 document „Safey Issues and their Ranking for WWER-440/213 NPPs“, April 1996. The UJD decisions stipulate the operator to implement measures to solve:

• issues of category III till the end of 2004,

• issues of category II till the end of 2006,

• other measures defined in the safety concepts submitted to the UJD till the end of 2008.

Modifications and safety measures are focused mainly on:

• modification of reactor coolant system, safety systems, essential power supply, instrumentation and control system (including replacement of reactor protection system);

• strengthening of seismic resistance;

• improving of fire protection efficiency;

• qualification of equipment and components;

• installation of new ventilation systems and new steam dump stations on main steamgenerators steam lines;

• reinforcements of bubbler condenser systems;

• enhancement of the levels of quality assurance, safety, operating procedures, documents for personnel training, emergency planning etc.

Extension of the NPP Bohunice V-2 units lifetime to a minimum of 40 years, in accordance with the production and technological base development plan of SE, a.s. and increasing of units nominal output (from reserves and through improved efficiency of the units) is also a subject of the modernization program.

EMO - 2 x 440 MW VVER 213

A comprehensive safety upgrading program was implemented also at both units of Mochovce NPP. The classification of the individual safety-relevant issues was based on the IAEA document EBP-WWER-03 „safety Issues and their Rankking for WWER-440/213 NPPs“ with the difference that the extent of safety-relevant measures has been extended by the recommendations of RISKAUDIT, taking into account specific conditions of the NPP Mochovce.

The results of safety measures are documented in the Safety Assessment Report or in other supporting documents.

Before start up of the units safety issues of categories III and II have been addressed in a manner to fulfill requirements of INSAG 3 from the point of view of defense i depth concept.

The remainig safety measures were implemented depending on the technological possibilities during the operation and if such measures required unit shutdown, their implementation was postponed to refueling outages. This procedure was continuously approved and verified by UJD.

The safety improvement program was evaluated after the completion of units 1 and 2 shutdown in 2001. The evaluation confirmed that the implementation of safety measures adopted within the safety improvement project which was a part of the completion of units 1 and 2 has been principally completed.

The implementation of the last remaining safety measure “Post Accident Monitoring System“  was finished according to the schedule at Unit 2 in 2003 and on Unit 1 in June 2004.

2.2.4  Nuclear power development projections and plans

According to the current status of nuclear in the Slovak Republic, there is not an intention to build up any other nuclear power units generating electricity, except of Mochovce unit 3 and 4. As it was mentioned,  the Slovak Government did not suspend the completion of the construction of NPP Mochovce units 3 and 4. The main possibility, how to accomplish construction of units 3 and 4 is cooperation with foreign investors. After decision of the Slovak government to privatize a 66% share of SE, the winner of the bid, i.e. the Italian company ENEL shall prepare a strategic investment plant to replace energy sources to be shut down in the near future.  Analysis of completion of units under construction in Mochovce is to be also part of this strategic plan.

2.2.5. Decommissioning: information and plans

Basic legislation on decommissioning in Slovak Republic is given by

Law no. 541/2004 Coll. on Conditions of Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy (”Nuclear Act”) and Law no.127/1994 Coll. on environment impact assessment. The operator is responsible for decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

NPP Decommissioning conception in SR

There are three basic scenarios considered in the decommissioning conception:

·             NPP decommissioning up to I. degree - the closing with surveillance

·             NPP decommissioning up to II. degree - with reactor safe enclosure

·             NPP decommissioning up to III. degree - to green-field

NPP A-1 decommissioning conception:

There were available three potential scenarios:

1.Continuous decommissioning scenario

2. Nuclear island safe enclosure scenario

3. Reactor safe enclosure scenario

The ”Continuous decommissioning scenario” for NPP A-1 was recommended based on technical-economic assessment and considered as the most suitable from these evaluated scenarios. It will be ended by removing of the NPP and by release of the site for an unlimited using.

NPP A-1 decommissioning consists of two fundamental time phases:

A.     operation termination after reactor shutdown - since shutdown in 1977 until 1999 
Project design for NPP A-1 decommissioning was elaborated (1995-1999)
Official License for A-1 decommissioning was issued by ÚJD SR in 1999.

B.     A-1 decommissioning - the time phase after 1999 until 2033 or 2056 based on the selected scenario, that involves two periods of A-1 decommissioning:

·             1. period of decommissioning NPP A-1 since 1999 until 2007: can be characterized as follows - all spent fuel has to be removed from the site, majority of liquid RAW has to be treated to yield a form enabling safe permanent storage, other RAW have to be adjusted to yield a form enabling safe permanent disposal or long-term storage, necessary decontamination to reduce further potential sources of radioactive leakage should be performed;

·             2. period of decommissioning NPP A-1 after 2007: it presents the dismantling and liquidation of NPP A-1 and the release of the site for an unlimited using (to green-field)

NPP with VVER 440 units decommissioning conception (Bohunice V-2 and Mochovce):

At first the document on decommissioning of NPP with VVER 440 units has been elaborated. Based on the comparing of the individual decommissioning scenarios and using the multicriterial analyses, the decommissioning to the I. degree (the closing with surveillance for 30 years) and subsequent dismantling and liquidation of NPP to green-field resulted as the most suitable scenario.

In this case the NPP VVER 440 decommissioning, after the termination of operation consists of two following periods:

·             1. period of decommissioning: the condition establishing and the operation of the plant in the state “the closing with surveillance“ for the time of 30 years

·             2. period of decommissioning: the dismantling and liquidation of NPP and the release of the site for an unlimited using (to green-field)

NPP JE V-1 decommissioning conception

Based on the Government decree (resolution) No. 801/1999 units V-1 will be shutdown in 2006 and 2008. Subsequently the termination of operation will be finished till December 2011, when all spent fuel will be removed from reactors to the intermediate spent fuel storage facility.

For NPP V-1, based on the study on the site exploitability, three possible scenarios of NPP decommissioning are to be analyzed according to the Law no.127/1994 Coll. on environmental impact assessment. The utility currently recommends so-called speeded up process of decommissioning from 2012 till 2025. However the final decision has not been made yet and it will also depend on the environmental impact assessment and on the decision of the government.

2.3.  Supply of NPPs

The main domestic producer and supplier of selected components of pressure systems (separators, piping, heat exchangers) for nuclear power plants is the Slovak Power Engineering Works (SES) in Tlmace and the Piping Company in Kosice. The supplier of civil construction works has been the Hydrostav Bratislava. The main foreign suppliers are Atomenergoexport (Russia), ŠKODA, Vítkovice ironworks and EGP (Czech Republic). Well-known Western firms (EdF, Framatome ANP) have been cooperating with them and with VUJE, a.s. company during Mochovce completion and Bohunice safety upgrading programs.

2.4.  Operation of NPPs

The owner of the Bohunice and Mochovce plants is the utility Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (SE). The operators of these six units are SE affiliations Nuclear Power Plants Bohunice (EBO) and NPPs Mochovce (EMO). The Nuclear Power Plants Bohunice have built their own technical and professional capacities for the performance of maintenance activities. The execution of specialized activities is ordered by EBO and EMO from manufacturers of these components, or from specialized firms. The training of nuclear personnel, i.e. operators and maintenance and decommissioning personnel, is carried out by the Training Center in the VÚJE Trnava, Inc. – Engineering, Design and Research Organization. VÚJE performs professional, practical and theoretical training of nuclear power plant personnel in six categories based on the Certificate No. 1/94 from the ÚJD SR. The Category 1 is designed for selected personnel, e.g. operators, control physicists and reactor unit supervisors. Following successful graduation from theoretical and practical training, trainees obtain certificates. For the performance of a function, the Category 1 personnel have to obtain a ÚJD license that has to be renewed each two or three years depending on the function.

2.5.  Fuel Cycle and Waste Management

All the fuel for the operation of six VVER 440 units in Slovakia has been fabricated in the Russian Federation. The fuel supplier provides completed fuel assemblies, including nuclear material, its conversion and enrichment. In the present time Slovenske elektrarne has two fuel contracts. One fuel contract is valid for Bohunice units 1 and 2 to the end of their operation (2006, resp.2008) and till the end of 2005 for Bohunice units 3 and 4 and Mochovce units 1 and 2. In all six units is used advanced fuel with average enrichment 3,82% U 235.

In 2003 Slovenske elektrarne concluded new fuel contract with Russian Supplier for delivery of fresh nuclear fuel for Bohunice units 3 and 4 and Mochovce units 1 and 2 in period 2005 - 2010. The supplied fuel will be of new generation (new mechanical and nuclear design with burnable Gd absorber) and should result in better efficiency and lower annual consumption of nuclear materials.

Management of Spent Fuel

The basic policy of spent fuel and radioactive waste management has been established by the Resolutions No. 930/1992, No. 190/1994 of the Slovak government.

In 1997 the Slovak government accepted the Updated Power Policy of SE, a. s. till year 2005. The related government Resolution No. 684/97 includes the provisions on the spent fuel management. In 2001, the Slovak government in his Resolution No. 5/2001 accepted ”The proposal on the schedule of economical and material solution on the management of spent fuel and decommissioning process of nuclear facilities” and assigned to submit a ”Policy of decommissioning of nuclear facilities and management of spent fuel elaborated according to the act on environmental impact assessment” for a discussion on government level by 31. 12. 2007.

The current fundamental conception of spent fuel management at SE, a. s. and in the Slovak Republic resulting from the documents above and updated by the SE, a. s. management remains unchanged and can be characterized as follows.

The operation of nuclear reactors in Slovakia adopts an open fuel cycle since the reactors WWER-440 are not licensed to utilise MOX fuel. Discharged spent fuel is stored for 3 years in spent fuel pools of the main generation building. Further  long-term spent fuel storage (40 to 50 years after its removal from the reactor), which is required prior to its final disposal in a repository, will be assured  in separate interim storage facilities at Bohunice and Mochovce. Reprocessing of spent fuel from Bohunice and Mochovce NPPs is not included into the concept of spent fuel management.

An interim spent fuel wet storage facility (ISFS - SE-VYZ) has been in operation at  Bohunice site since 1987. ISFS - SE-VYZ has been already reconstructed in order to increase its storage capacity. A project to enhance its seismic resistance and to improve its safety and cooling system was accomplished in 1999. The storage facility is re-licensed for extension of storage period to 50 years. Enlargement of the storage capacity using new compact cask containers represents increase from original 5 040 pcs to 14 112 pcs of fuel assemblies, which will be sufficient for all spent fuel from Bohunice reactors produced for their whole operation period and for Mochovce until 2015. By that time, it will be necessary to build a new similar  storage facility at Mochovce site. A project of spent fuel storage facility at Mochovce site (ISFS - EMO) is currently in first stage of investment preparation. According to current intentions, the facility will probably be based on the dry storage technology.

All spent fuel assemblies from the former  A1 reactor unit (HWGCR reactor, in operation since 1973 till 1977) were transported to the Russian Federation till July 1999. Before 1987 a small number of spent fuel assemblies from WWER-440 reactors (697 fuel assemblies) were also transported to the Russian Federation.

Final disposal of the spent fuel is expected to be in deep underground geological repository. Activities on the selection of an adequate site are thus continuing.

Possibilities of transporting the spent fuel into foreign countries for final disposal or reprocessing without importing the products back into Slovakia and possibility of international or regional solution on the final spent fuel disposal and new technologies in the area of spent fuel management have to be verified.

Statistics:  By the end on 2004 all Slovak VVER 440 units used 9300 fuel assemblies, from this amount approximately 700 assemblies were exported to the Russian Federation. 6800 pieces are stored in wet interim storage facility located at Bohunice site. The rest of about 1800 spent fuel assemblies are cooled down and stored in pools adjacent to the reactors.

Management of Radwaste

Concerning the production of radioactive waste in Slovakia, there are only two types of producers: power generation companies and producers of institutional radioactive waste (research institutes, medicine, university, industry). There are following categories of radwaste (except spent fuel) based on its origin:

·      waste from the operation Bohunice and Mochovce NPP

·      waste related to the decommissioning A-1 NPP

·      institutional waste

The current policy of radioactive waste management in Slovakia was approved by the Resolution No. 190/94 of the Slovak government, it can be characterized as follows:

1. Basic solidification methods of liquid radioactive waste, radioactive sludge and exhausted ion-exchanging resins into a form suitable for final disposal include cementation and bitumenation.

2. The volume of solid radioactive waste will be minimised by applying compaction and incineration.

3. The treated liquid or solid radioactive waste is than grouted by active mixture of concrete and concentrate into fibre-reinforced concrete containers. These containers are suitable for transportation as well as for long-term storage and final disposal.

4. For treatment of intermediate level waste and radioactive waste with high contents of trans-uranium (specific liquid radioactive waste produced during the storage of spent fuel at Nuclear Power Plant A1 that is in form of sludge and chrompik) is necessary to apply a vitrification method.

5. Low-active soil and concrete rubble shall be arranged into layers on supervised stock-piles.

6. The low-activity metal waste shall be treated by applying fragmentation and decontamination and cleaned material can be than released into the environment.

7. For the treatment of metal radioactive waste, that can not be released into the environment a melting unit shall be installed and used for its conditioning.

8. Institutional radioactive waste shall be treated and conditioned into a form acceptable for final disposal. Waste of open source character will be conditioned by applying standard methods. The disused sealed sources shall be conditioned into a form suitable for centralised long-term storage or disposal.

9. The conditioned radioactive waste produced during the operation and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and the conditioned institutional radioactive waste that meet the acceptance criteria shall be disposed of in the National Repository Mochovce.

10. The waste which is not acceptable for the National Repository Mochovce shall be stored at the power plants. An integral storage shall be installed at Bohunice to allow storing of radioactive waste that is not acceptable for NRR.

11. An integral storage for disposal of the radioactive waste which does not meet the criteria for disposal in near surface repository do not represent the final solution. Therefore for disposal of mentioned “non acceptable” waste a deep geological repository shall be built.

In 1996 the new plant - subsidiary of SE, joint stock company,  marked SE- VYZ was established  to ensure and perform activities concerning Decommissioning of the Nuclear Facilities and  Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management.

The following technologies for radioactive waste treatment and conditioning in frame of the VYZ company are currently available, certified for permanent operation:

• Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Center

• Bitumenation plants

• Active waters purification plant

• Vitrification plant

• Facility for fragmentation of metal waste

Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Center is designed to process and treat liquid and solid radioactive waste arising from the NPP A-1 decommissioning, from NPPs V-1, V-2 in Jaslovske Bohunice and  Mochovce as well as institutional radwaste of diverse institutions in the Slovak republic. The final product, cemented radwaste into the fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) containers from Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Center are being transported to the National Repository for final storage and safe long-time isolation radwaste from environment.

Commencement of commercial  operation of Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Center was on February  2000, based on Regulatory body Decision No.416/99.

The Bohunice Processing Center processes RAW which can be classified into the following categories:

·      combustible solid and liquid waste,

·      pressable solid waste,

·      non-combustible and non-pressable waste,

·      concentrates,

·      ionex resins (sludges)

·      other contaminated liquids and sludges.

This center includes the following technologies for processing and treatment of RAW:

·      sorting,

·      compacting (press plant.)

·      incineration,

·      concentration, (evaporator)

·      cementation facility into FRC containers

·      emission monitoring

·      transport

Radioactive Waste Storage 

The National Radwaste Repository, located near the Mochovce NPP, is a near surface facility designed for the disposal of solid and solidified low and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The capacity of the two double-rows (80 storage boxes) is 7200 FRC containers of radioactive waste (produced by operation and decommissioning of NPP A-1 and institutional waste). Since the disposal of all others radioactive waste (from decommissionig of EBO and EMO NPPs), the National Radwaste Repository needs to be extended. The site layout enables to extend the capacity up to 10 double-rows.

Commencement of commercial  operation of National radioactive waste repository, Mochovce was on October 1999, based on Regulatory body Decision No.335/99.

Other radioactive waste storage facilities are located in site of Bohunice NPP. At present  a few empty compartments inside NPP A-1 have been reconstructed into the storage facilities licensed particularly as the individual nuclear facility. Various solid and solidified waste streams (mostly in 200 l drums) are stored here awaiting their final fixation into standard containers on Bohunice Waste Treatment Center.

It is intended to construct  new storage facilities to storage treated radwaste non acceptable for the National radioactive waste repository, Mochovce. The project preparation has been started (EA study).

Operation of nuclear facilities for spent fuel storage and RAW treatment and disposal 

The treatment and storage of radioactive wastes produced in the Slovak Republic is performed in compliance with the legislative and procedures developed by the Nuclear regulatory authority. Operation of all treatment  and storage radwaste nuclear facilities is licensed and regularly supervised by the state regulatory body.

The work during all process of radwaste handling is organized so as to prevent unnecessary irradiation of the staff (ALARA principle).

It could be stated, that the radwaste handling facilities in the Slovak republic,   all operated by Slovak Electric Power Company have no significant impact on the radiation situation of the NPP surroundings.

Material and Financial Provision of Radwaste Management

The new plant, subsidiary of SE company, marked VYZ established in 1996,  is being responsible for Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Installations and Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management. Besides that, the SE-VYZ plant will provide the disposal of institutional radwaste from other organizations. The plant activities are being financed from the SE utility budget and from the State Fund for Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Installations and Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management.

The State Fund was established by the Act No. 254/1994 Coll. with effect from 1 January 1995. Mentioned Act was afterwards amended by the following acts: Act No. 78/2000 Coll. and Act No. 560/2001 Coll. The main aim of amendments was especially modification how to create and use the resources of the Fund.

The Ministry of Economy of the administers the Fund and the fund resources are controlled on the special account in the National Bank of Slovakia.

By the mentioned act the sources of the Fund shall be generated from:

a)         contributions by nuclear installation operators,

b)         penalties imposed by Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic upon natural persons and legal entities pursuant to separate regulation

c)         bank credits

d)         interest on Fund deposits in banks

e)         grants from State Budget

f)          other sources as provided by special regulation.

The basic resources of the Fund are contributions of operators of nuclear facilities. In compliance with above mentioned act, operator of nuclear facility is obliged to contribute yearly to the Fund the sum 350 000 Sk for each megawatt of installed electric power of the nuclear facility and 6,8 % from sales price of electric power generated yearly in the nuclear facility.

The Fund Council as his advisory body has been appointed by The Minister of Economy for generation and utilization of Fund resources.

It is possible to provide resources of the Fund as specific subsidy to the operator of nuclear facility or spent fuel and radioactive waste repository and to the person determined for the management of orphan sources on the basis of written application accompanied by the project with technical and economic reasoning.

It is possible to use the Fund resources for:

a)      decommissioning of nuclear facilities,

b)     management of spent fuel and radioactive waste after the end of nuclear facility operation (where were originated),

c)      management of orphan sources and waste from illicit trafficking when originator is unknown,

d)     purchase of site for spent fuel and radioactive waste repositories,

e)      research and development in the area of decommissioning of nuclear facilities and management of spent fuel and decommissioning radioactive waste,

f)      investigation of sites, geological survey, design, construction, commissioning, operation and closure of spent fuel and radioactive waste repositories including monitoring after their closure,

g)      expenses related to the Fund activities up to 0,3 % of annual income of the Fund,

h)     contributions on protection of life and health of population in the hazard area of nuclear facility.

The resources of the State Fund have been formed since 1995. The generation of NPP A-1 finished in 1977, therefore no resources from NPP A-1 have been created. NPP V-1 shall be untimely shutdown, so the contributions from NPP V-1 will not be sufficient for decommissioning. That is why accumulated financial resources into Fund will not be sufficient to build a deep geological repository for high level radioactive waste and spent fuel elements. At the present time the analysis, models and possibilities of the Fund creating are being worked out, to be sufficient for all fuel cycle back-end in Slovakia. Based on the new Act on State Fund is being preparing to resolve the issue of  financing of NPP A-1 and NPP V-1 decommissioning.

2.6.  Research and Development

2.6.1        The research and development organizations and institutes

The research and development activities in Slovakia are based on national long-term strategic plans transferred into medium-term projects, which reflect country specific conditions and needs of the utilization of nuclear energy in Slovakia. The strategic plans and projects are bound to international research and development activities, particularly those conducted within EU countries or OECD/NEA.

The research and development in Slovakia is financed from the state budget completed by funds from private sector or support from EU. The expenditures to research and development in Slovakia are limited. They represent several hundred thousands USD per year.

Utility’s technical support organizations and universities initiate the research and development. The activities are focused on effective and efficient use of nuclear fuel, efficient conversion of nuclear energy into heat and electricity, treatment and disposal of radioactive materials and spent fuel, improvement and validation of analytical computer codes, emergency preparedness and panning, and in support of safety enhancement of nuclear facilities. The Slovak regulatory body initiates the research and development work where it considers that there is a need for additional studies beyond those undertaken by utilities or it can apply to suitable critical considerations in its review and assessment.

The organizations, which conduct the research and development in Slovakia, are:

·                  VUJE, Trnava

·                  VUEZ, Levice

·                  DECOM Trnava

·                  Relko, Bratislava,

·                  Slovak Technical University, Bratislava, and others.

2.6.2        Development of advanced and new generation nuclear reactor systems

Slovakia has not developed any advanced nuclear reactors. Engagement of national companies in the development of advanced nuclear reactor systems is limited and performed in co-operation with foreign companies on commercial basis.

2.7. International Co-operation and Initiatives

Co-operation of the Slovak Republic with the IAEA on technical projects has been highly successful. In 2004 co-operation was going on with four national, many regional and interregional projects by participations in workshops, training courses and technical meetings (app. 55 participants), by providing technical assistance of experts and supply of equipments as well as through coordinated research projects.

32 external experts from regulatory bodies and nuclear power plants from Lithuania, Georgia, Philippines and Pakistan were trained in the Slovak Republic. Training and consultations were focused  mainly on issues of nuclear and radiation safety, radioactive waste management, legislation, safety analyses and operation of nuclear power plants, their  decommissioning and lifetime extension.

Slovak experts prepared number of various documents that serve as supporting materials for evaluations and technical publications of the OECD/NEA. The Slovak republic participated in activities of the HALDEN Reactor Project and on activities of MASCA-2 Project (from the year 2004).

Representatives of Slovakia took part regularly in meetings of committees and working groups of the European Commission an the Council. They monitored and presented positions in respective areas regarding preparation of the new EU legislation.

One of the most important working group, taking into account responsibilities of UJD, is Atomic Questions Group  (AQG) in which comprehensive  discussions  have been realised in connection in connection with “Nuclear Package” included two proposals of directives  on subject of nuclear safety of nuclear installations and safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management.

More information isavailable in the Annual Report of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (www.ujd.gov.sk).

3.  NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

3.1.  Safety Authority and the Licensing Process

Licensing procedures have three main levels: selection of construction site, commencement of construction and permanent operation. Prior to issuing a license for permanent operation, the regulatory authority performs inspections in line with the approved programmes of active and non-active tests and issues approvals for fuel loading, physical start-up, power start-up and trial operation. The major regulatory authorities and the process of licensing procedures are shown in Figure 10.

The basic mandatory condition for issuing any approval related to nuclear safety is to develop and submit a Safety Analysis Report and other prescribed safety documentation and to comply with the conditions from previous approval proceedings and with the decisions of the regulatory authority. The regional construction offices issue decisions for the selection of construction site of nuclear installations based on the approval of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Health and of other offices and organizations of state authorities. Nuclear Regulatory Authority since 1-st December 2004 is special construction authority for final decision for construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations As regards approvals, responsibilities of these authorities are specified in the law No. 50/1976 (Construction Law),  in Act No. 541/2004 and in  regulations of the Ministry for Environment Nos. 453/2000 and 55/2001. The licensee is responsible for the safety of its nuclear installation.

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ÚJD) of the Slovak Republic is a follower of the former Czechoslovak Atomic Energy Commission. It was established on 1 January 1993 and its rights result from the Law No. 2/1993 of the Slovak National Council. This act was replaced by Act No. 575/2001, effect since 1 January 2002. The ÚJD is an independent state regulatory authority reporting directly to the government and its chairman is appointed by the cabinet. As of 1 January 2004, ÚJD staff amounted to  81 employees. The organizational structure is shown in the Figure 11.

The ÚJD SR Chairman is appointed by the government and co-operates with other central bodies of the state authorities in performing his activities, and he submits regularly to the Slovak government reports about the safety of nuclear installations in Slovakia and about his activities. Since 1 January 2002 also vice-chairman is appointed by the government and the proposal by the chairman.

The ÚJD SR executes the state regulation over:

i) nuclear safety of nuclear installations including the regulation over the management of nuclear waste, spent nuclear fuel and other phases of nuclear fuel cycle;

ii) nuclear materials including their control and recording;

iii) quality of selected equipment and instrumentation.

The ÚJD SR ensures:

i) review of intentions how to use nuclear energy in respect on nuclear safety;

ii) evaluation and inspection of emergency plans;

iii) fulfilment of the commitments of the Slovak Republic resulting from international agreements in the field of nuclear safety and nuclear material safeguards.

The execution of nuclear regulation is supported by laws, especially in the law No. 541/2004 and in several regulations that give to the authority high powers including the acceptance of such measures as requirements on safety improvement, as well as orders for power reduction or reactor shut-down if required by safety reasons. Former regulations issued according to Act No. 130/1998 were canceled by new Atomic Act No. 541/2004. The new 13 regulations are under preparation.

According to the law No. 541/2004, the ÚJD SR performs:

i) routine inspections by site inspectors;

ii) special inspections by nuclear safety inspectors;

iii) team inspections.

The routine inspections are executed according to standard procedures developed for the particular inspections. The special and team inspections are executed according to programs developed for the particular inspection. These programs are sent in advance to the organization in which the inspection is to take place. The inspectors write down protocols about the inspections performed. The inspections are performed in line, with an inspection plan and programme of quality assurance and inspection activities as Appendix. The authority has been established in line with international recommendations as was confirmed by a number of expert missions of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Commission. Work contacts with partner regulatory bodies in all European countries with nuclear power developed, but also in the U.S.A and Japan, contribute significantly to improving the work quality of the ÚJD SR.

On June 14, 2001, the  Act No. 276/2001 on the regulation in network industries and on amendments in certain other laws was approved by the Slovak National Council. The bill specifies:

A)    establishment, authority and activities of the Office for Regulation of Network Industries;

B)    object and conditions of the state regulation in network industries; and

C) conditions for the execution of regulated activities and rights and obligations of regulated subjects.

The Office for Regulation of Network Industries was established as from 1 August 2001 and is currently under development.

Relevant provisions of Act No. 276/2001 were replaced by Act No. 656/2004 on power engineering and on alteration in certain acts which is in force since 1st January 2005. 

3.2.  Main National Laws and Regulations in Nuclear Power

• The Act No. 575/2001 Coll. On government organization, central state administration

The most important part of the UJD SR legislative activity in 2004 was preparation of the Act no. 541/2004 Coll. on Peaceful use of nuclear energy (”Atomic Act”) and on amendment and alterations of several acts which was adopted by the National Council of Slovak Republic on September 9, 2004 and it is in force of December 1, 2004. The Act is fully in compliance with the EU legislation.

The new regulations according to act 541/2004 Coll. are under preparation.

The following regulations have been adopted according to the mandate formulated in the former act 130/1998 Coll. They were in force till November 30, 2004.

• ÚJD SR Regulation No. 29/1999 which includes list of special materials and equipment.

• ÚJD SR Regulation No. 30/1999 that specifies details about the maximum limiting amounts of nuclear materials for which occurrence of nuclear damage is not assumed.

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 29/1999          

Coll on list of special (dual - use) materials and components
(effective from 1-st March 1999)

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 30/1999          

Coll on maximum quantities of nuclear materials excluded from Vienna Convention

(effective from 1-st March 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 186/1999         

Coll which defines details on ensuring physical protection of nuclear facilities, nuclear materials and radioactive wastes
(effective from 1-st August 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 187/1999         

Coll on training and qualification of personnel of nuclear facilities
(effective from 1-st August 1999)

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 198/1999         

Coll on accounting for control of nuclear materials
(effective from 1-st September 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 245/1999         

Coll on emergency planning for the case of incident or accident
(effective from 1-st October 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 246/1999         

Coll on documentation of nuclear installations at decommissioning
(effective from 1-st October 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 284/1999         

Coll on the details of transport of nuclear materials and radwaste
(effective from 15-th November 1999).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 31/2000          

Coll on events at nuclear installations

(effective from 15-th February 2000).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 190/2000         

Coll by which details of radioactive waste management and spent  fuel management are regulated

(effective from 1-st July 2000).

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 317/2002         

Coll on requirements on quality systems of the authorization holders as well as on alteration and amendment of the Decree of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic No. 187/1999 Coll. on nuclear installation personnel competence

(effective from 1-st July 2002)

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 318/2002         

Coll on the Safety Documentation of Nuclear Installations and on Alteration and Amendment of the Decree of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic No. 245/1999 Coll. on the Emergency Planning in Case of an Incident or Accident

(effective from 1-st July 2002)

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 121/2003         

Coll on nuclear safety assessment

(effective from 1-st June 2003)

• ÚJD SR Regulation No 167/2003         

Coll on requirements for nuclear safety of nuclear installations

(effective from  1-st June 2003)

The new 13 regulations according to new Atomic Act No. 541/2004 are under preparation. It will be session on permanent working group on Legislative council of the Government for technical legal documents on 10 August 2005.

• The law No. 276/2001 on the regulation in network industries and on amendments in certain other laws was approved by the Slovak National Council

The Act No. 656/2004 on power engineering and on alterations in certain acts

SAFETY GUIDES OF ÚJD SR

Following safety guides were elaborated during 1995 - 2005:

4.  CURRENT ISSUES AND DEVELOPMENTS ON NUCLEAR POWER

4.1.  Energy Policy

Role of the government in the nuclear research and development

The government creates conditions, establishes legislative framework and supports research and development in Slovakia. It works out strategic plans and outlines main directions for research and development supported. The government co-ordinates research and development activities in the country and links them to foreign activities. Keeps the records and statistics.

Nuclear energy and climate change

Roughly 80% of the world energy is currently obtained from fossil fuels. However their supplies will have been used up over a certain time, apart from them being irreplaceable in the chemical industry, which will also better appreciate them. Assuming the current annual production, oil supplies are estimated at 45 years, as are gas supplies at 70 years, and coal supplies at 250 years. Moreover, fossil fuels burden the environment with not only sulphur and nitrogen oxides, but in particular with CO2, which causes global warming, and thereby also climatic changes on the globe. The Earth´s average temperature over the last 100 years has risen by 0.6°C; it is expected to increase in the next century by 1.5 up to 3,5°C, some experts even state 2-5°C.

The global problem such as climatic changes calls for a global solution. This has been attempted by the conference in Kyoto, Japan, however unsuccessfully, where merely partial solutions have been proposed. These proposals only apply to OECD countries and the former Soviet bloc´s countries. The limitations do not concern the countries where a critical increase in greenhouse gases (GHG) is expected, i.e. developing countries. These states inevitably need increasingly higher amounts of energy for their development, and these will be acquiring it from a source best available to them, hence coal. However coal combustion has the most environmental impact of all the fossil fuels. Europe and North America have increasingly shifted away to natural gas, which however the developing world cannot afford because of high prices of the fuel. In burning gas CO2 also forms, albeit there is roughly 40% less of it than in burning coal.

While SE, a.s. contributes as much as nearly 84% to Slovakia´s total electricity generation, it cannot be deemed a major CO2 producer.

SE, a.s. relatively low contribution to the country´s CO2 emission production (about 13%) follows particularly from SE, a.s. advantageous structure of generation facilities. In 2003 as much as 69% of electricity was generated at nuclear power plants. The generation contribution by hydro power plants and fossil power plants came to 18% and 13%, respectively.

Safety and waste management issues

Waste management issues  

In point of waste management, the most significant issue, that must be resolved in next  time, is the final disposal of  spent fuel and high level radioactive waste. As  it was mentioned the final disposal is expected to be in deep underground geological repository.

The preparing phase (it means a couple of studies) of the project for development of deep geological repository for high level radioactive waste and spent fuel elements was begun in 1996 and all activities inside the project have been ordering by the SE, company until present time.

According the plan of project, it is intended to finish the sitting process after 2010, and to accept the first spent fuel containers for disposal after 2037.

Other current issue concerning radwaste is solution of liquid radioactive waste arising from operation of NPP Mochovce. Based on the project the generating liquid waste after conditioning (mainly evaporation is collected in projected operational tanks. The project for final treatment of liquid radioactive waste arising from operation of NPP Mochovce has been started  since 2002.

The latest issue of the same significant meaning, that will be solved during next years, is the preparation of new storage facility to storage treated radwaste non acceptable for the Mochovce National radioactive waste repository.

Regarding waste management issues, one of the most important point is establishing of new State Agency for radwaste storage resulting from Atomic Law.  There were a couple negotiations addressed to this issue between Ministry of Economy , Nuclear Regulatory Authority  and SE  since 2000.

In 2003 was submitted to EU the project “Technical support to the Slovak Republic in establishing the national agency for radioactive waste management”.

Safety issues

Following safety related issues could be currently or for the near future identified as regards Slovenské elektrárne, a.s.:

·   continuation and successful completion of Bohunice V-2 modernization and safety upgrading program, according to the schedule and requirements of regulatory authority;

·   maintaining safety level of all Slovak nuclear units on the deregulated energy market and during ongoing process of restructuring and privatization of SE;

·   maintaining safety level of Bohunice V-1 units till the end of their operation in 2006 and 2008 respectively;

·   development and implementation of SAMGs at Bohunice V-2 and Mochovce NPPs;

·   preparation and execution of periodic safety review of:

o       Bohunice V-2 after further 10 years of operation (since last updated SAR, which was elaborated in 1996)

o       Mochovce NPP after ten years of operation.

REFERENCES

Appendix 1

INTERNATIONAL (MULTILATERAL AND BILATERAL) AGREEMENTS

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

• Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Government of Hungary on Exchange of Information and Co-operation in the Field of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Federal Government of Germany on Questions of Common Interest in Connection with Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Government of Austria on Questions of Common Interest in Connection with Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czech and Slovak Federal Republic and the Government of the United States of America on Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and the Government of India on Co-operation in the Field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and Government the Union of Soviet Republics on Extension of Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Government of the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic and the Government of Peoples Republic of Bulgaria on Co-operation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Czech Republic on Co-operation in the Field of State Supervision of Nuclear Installations and of State Supervision of Nuclear Materials.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Poland on Early Notification of Nuclear Accidents, on Exchange of Information and Co-operation in the Field of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of Canada for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic, the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the Russian Federation on Co-operation in the Field of Transportation of Nuclear Fuel between the Slovak Republic and the Russian Federation across the Territory of Ukraine.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic, the Government of the Czech Republic, the Government of the Russian Federation and Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Co-operation in the Field of Transportation of Nuclear Materials between the Czech Republic and the Russian Federation across the Territory of the Slovak Republic and the Territory of Ukraine.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on Early Notification of Nuclear Accidents, on Exchange of Information and Co-operation in the Field of Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.
• Agreement between the Government of the Slovak Republic and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for the Exchange of Information in the Field of Nuclear Safety.
• Agreement between the Ministry of Economy of the SR and Federal Nuclear and Radiation Safety Authority of Russia on Co-operation in the Field of State Supervision of Nuclear Safety in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Agreement between the Ministry of Economy and the Committee on the Use of Atomic Energy for Peaceful Purposes of the Republic of Bulgaria on Co-operation in the Field of State Supervision of Nuclear Safety in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• Arrangement between the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic ( U.J.D.S.R.) and United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission ( U.S.N.R.C) for the Exchange of Technical Information and Co-operation in Nuclear Safety Matters.
• Arrangement between the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Slovak Republic and the Nuclear Installations Safety Directorate of the French Republic for Exchange of Information and Co-operation in the Regulation of Nuclear Safety.
• Administrative Arrangement between the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the SR and the Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada Pursuant to the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the Slovak Republic for Co-operation in the field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

Appendix 2

DIRECTORY OF THE MAIN ORGANIZATIONS, INSTITUTIONS AND COMPANIES INVOLVED IN NUCLEAR POWER RELATED ACTIVITIES