Croatia would build its own nuclear power plant.

We are translating a text dedicated to considering the introduction of nuclear energy in Croatia

Croatia currently gets about 16 percent of its electricity from the Krško Nuclear Power Plant.

While in Slovenia plans for the construction of the second block of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) are already underway, in Croatia there is growing talk about the possibility of building a nuclear power plant on its own territory.

Minister of Economy, Ante Šušnjar, does not hide the wish that Croatia would also like to participate in the construction of the second NEK block, but only as an equal partner. What are the real possibilities for building a nuclear power plant in Croatia and what are the ideas about its design?

When in the mid-1970s the construction of NEK began, in joint ownership of the two then republics, there was a broad belief that the second nuclear power plant would be built in Croatia. It was the official decision of the then common state. They began seeking favorable locations in Croatia, in which Duško Čorak, now the director of the Institute for Nuclear Energy, participated. “Joint preparatory work for the construction of a second nuclear power plant in Croatia was very intensive from the early 1980s to 1987, when the federal government, right after the Chernobyl disaster, decided to impose a moratorium on building new nuclear plants. At that time, our project was already in a fairly advanced stage. We prepared the tender, published an international call for bids and defined criteria for evaluating bids. Three bids arrived: Westinghouse, Framatome and the bid from Rosatom,” he recalls.

If the second nuclear power plant had been built at that time in joint ownership, Slovenia and Croatia would have been almost energy independent countries, says nuclear physicist Tonči Tadić. “Slovenia would be fully supplied with nuclear energy and renewable sources, including hydropower plants. Croatia would have to replace only 15 percent of its electricity production with fossil fuels. In such circumstances, both countries would be almost energy independent. It is really a great pity that Slovenia yielded to pressure and lobbying from Belgrade and gave up the idea of building a second joint nuclear power plant on Croatian territory.”

In the following years, the joint ownership of NEK operated very well, with Croatia now getting about 16 percent of its electricity from the plant. Yet, the question arose how Croatia would replace that energy when Krško someday closes its doors.

As Čorak explains, he launched the initiative at the end of last year and sent a letter to the Croatian government with proposals for concrete steps for incorporating nuclear energy into the Croatian energy strategy. “The first draft of that letter was later signed by faculties, institutes and various engineering organizations in Croatia. The Minister of Economy then formed a working group to create the legal framework. I personally am not participating in that group, but I think it is important that the process has finally begun.”

In February this year, Ante Šušnjar became the first Croatian Minister of Economy who publicly stated that Croatia is considering building its own nuclear power plant. “Does Croatia need nuclear energy and a nuclear power plant? For me it is not an ideological question, but a strategic one. If we want to be an energy-independent country, we must embark on that path. It is the direction in which all modern society is moving, including our government.”

In the working group preparing the legislative framework for establishing the Agency for Nuclear Energy, nuclear physicist Tonči Tadić is also involved. “I participate in that process as a member of the working group, but at this moment I can only tell you that the law is in preparation. Croatia does not want to lose the nuclear option in its energy mix. Whether we will secure it through co-ownership of the other NEK block, build our own large nuclear power plant here, or opt for a series of small modular reactors – all of this is a subject of broader discussion. We will propose the legislative framework, and politics will have to choose from what is offered. I cannot say more at this moment.”

Among the possible locations: Tanji near Dalj

Director of the Institute for Nuclear Energy, Duško Čorak, is already considering possible locations for building a nuclear power plant in Croatia.

“From the mid-1970s to the end of the 1980s, we analyzed the entire area of Croatia and selected three possible locations for building a nuclear power plant: these were the Tanji location near Dalj on the Danube, Prevlaka near Ivanićgrad, and the island of Vir. Vir was technically a very good location, but we abandoned it due to tourist interests of the local community. At Prevlaka we planned to build one block, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, and at Tanji four blocks of 1,300 megawatts each. We prepared all the necessary studies for both locations in accordance with the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency,” explains Čorak. “In his opinion, the best location would be the river island Tanji on the Danube in eastern Slavonia, 30 kilometers from Osijek and in the immediate vicinity of the border with neighboring Serbia. This location was considered the best even 45 years ago.”

Nuclear physicist Tonči Tadić believes it is still too early to choose a location. “It is too early to talk about possible locations. First, the legal framework must be prepared, the staffing structure within Croatia must be found, and then, in line with the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency, find an appropriate location. Any mention of possible locations at this moment would be counterproductive,” he warns.

In addition to the location, Croatia must also choose which nuclear power plant would be most suitable for its needs.

“In addition to the energy we currently get from our half of Krško, we would need twice as much,” says Tadić. “Croatia should start its nuclear program by building a large third-generation reactor with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts. Such a concept has been developed, for example, by Westinghouse or the Chinese Hualong One. Such projects, of course, depend on the financing model and the producer, but cost roughly 5 to 15 billion euros,” Čorak estimates.

Croatian nuclear experts also speak of the possibility of building small modular reactors (SMRs). “As a member of the Euratom Scientific-Technical Committee, I can confirm that these reactors are the future. By the end of this century we want to see Europe, i.e., Euratom member countries, fossil fuel-free, with energy obtained from renewable sources, fusion, and small modular reactors of the fourth generation. Both Slovenia and Croatia should join this trend,” says Tadić.

Choosing one or more reactors also determines when Croatia could obtain a new nuclear power plant. And, of course, how quickly the political leadership would decide to build the nuclear power plant. Two interlocutors believe that Croatia could complete this project by the mid-2030s.

“Nuclear power plants are not on the shelf for you to simply take. It is necessary to find qualified staff, a location, prepare the public, secure the necessary infrastructure, transportation, electrical networks and all else required for the operation of a nuclear power plant. If we decide on small modular reactors, then this should be done for several locations. It is a huge job that we should start now. Every year we miss will significantly push the story into the future,” Tadić addresses the key dilemmas.

According to Šušnjar, work is currently moving in several directions in parallel. “While the working group prepares the law, it is also already talking to suppliers of different technologies to assess which one suits us financially and in terms of time the best. At the government level, we have already presented our plans in Warsaw at the Three Seas Initiative meeting. We spoke with representatives of the American Nuclear Institute, with State Secretary Rajt, and presented to him our ideas, which have been supported in the United States.”

“A nuclear power plant can be cheaper or more expensive”

It is not known how much it would cost to build a nuclear power plant in Croatia, but the price difference can be as much as 1 to 3, says Duško Čorak. “A nuclear power plant can be cheaper or more expensive, depending on many factors, including location and cooling method. Then on the choice of technology, financing model, contractor experience, and legal procedures.” Čorak does not exclude the possibility of private investment in building a nuclear power plant, but nuclear physicist Tonči Tadić believes that would not be a good solution. “NEK was built on a financial model that I personally like the most. It is a partnership of two states, two peoples, two state electric utilities. In this way a serious partnership is ensured both in construction and in decommissioning of the nuclear power plant. When you include private capital in that equation, everything changes; instead of public accountability, you are responsible only for profit. I would like to be wrong. In a public-private partnership, it should be clearly defined what is the welfare of all investors, without favoritism, any sympathies or prejudices. You should count on the fact that private investors do not enter the business for humanitarian reasons.”

Given that ideas about building Croatia's own nuclear power plant emerged at a moment when Slovenia had already decided to build the second NEK unit, the question arises whether it would not be more profitable for Croatia to participate as a partner in building NPP 2.

“I think it would not be fair to view the project for the second NEK unit as an alternative to Croatia building its own nuclear power plant. Croatia will need a lot more electricity by 2050 than today. Therefore, it must as soon as possible have its own nuclear program, which will ensure energy self-sufficiency and secure supply. Croatia cannot depend on the Slovenian government's decision about whether it will build Krško 2. Croatia must solve its own energy needs, the hot potato must be in the hands of the Croatian government,” says Čorak.

There were reports in the Croatian public that, in exchange for 25% co-ownership of the second unit, Slovenia would secure Croatia only a share of the profits, but not supply of electricity. Both countries denied this. “Neither the government nor I as the minister in charge have received an official offer from Slovenia. We remain interested in co-ownership of the second NEK unit, but only under the same model as we have now,” says Minister Šušnjar. “If that is not possible, I will personally be the happiest if Croatia builds its own plant. Although we are currently co-owners of Krško, Croatia is not on the nuclear map of the world.”

Increased support for nuclear energy after the start of the war in Ukraine

“I believe that, especially after Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, public opinion toward nuclear energy is significantly better than it was 20, 30 years ago. Now it is quite clear to everyone how large the risk of electricity shortages is and how energy dependence can affect politics. We must explain to people that the smooth operation of nuclear power plants in Euratom member states is the best proof of their safety. The closest excellent example for us is the Krško Nuclear Power Plant,” Tadić is convinced.

Čorak emphasizes the importance of transparency and professionalism in informing the public, ongoing dialogue between government, experts and citizens. “People need to be presented with all safety standards, technology, impact on the environment and long-term benefits for our economy and society in an understandable way. Instead of unnecessary fear, we must develop trust in science, technology and supervisory institutions. Because only informed citizens can make a mature decision about their energy future.”

“In conclusion, I would only add that this is a strategic, not ideological issue, and I urge all Croatian political parties not to use this topic for political points or to disturb the public,” emphasized Šušnjar.

The energy issue, as shown in recent years, is not only economic but also a leading political and strategic question, and nuclear energy is returning to fashion after years of reactor closures. “I am very happy about that. This is also excellent preparation for fusion projects in the European Union. If the energy pillar in the Union in the second half of this century will be a combination of fourth-generation small modular reactors and fusion, then we must be part of that story today and wake up from the sleep in which we did not need nuclear energy because we thought we would solve everything with wind, sun and Russian gas, which turned out to be a complete nonsense,” Tadić says with determination.

It is expected that the Nuclear Energy Act will soon be presented in the Parliament. After adopting the legislative framework, we can expect more concrete information about the first nuclear power plant on Croatian soil, and then much louder reactions from the local public can be expected.

The text was written by Tanja Borčić Bernard and originally appeared on RTV Slovenija and you can read the original on the site of RTV Slovenija

Translation: S.A.