Slovenia's leading research institution and the country's second largest public university have signed memoranda of understanding on the civilian use of nuclear energy with the French energy company EDF and International Institute of Nuclear Energy (I2EN) to improve cooperation in research and development and in university studies.

Representatives of the Jožef Stefan Institute and the University of Maribor and their French partners stressed the important role of nuclear energy in meeting the EU goals of climate neutrality by 2050.

They committed to strengthening the Slovenian and European nuclear sectors, especially if Slovenia decides to build a new reactor at the Krško nuclear power station, the French Embassy in Slovenia said after the signing on 13 September.

"France is completely committed to cooperation with Slovenia in the continued development of the nuclear sector, improving the supply chain and promoting skills development," said French Ambassador to Slovenia Florence Lévy.

"The memoranda are a step in that direction and are in line with the 2011 French-Slovenian strategic partnership, for which the last action plan was signed in January this year," Lévy said.

Jure Gašparič, a state secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, noted the Slovenian government's support for the continued civilian use of nuclear energy, which it believes is crucial for green transition along with renewable energy sources.

The ministry understands that cooperation between the industry, science and government is needed for the development of a successful and safe nuclear partnership, and that it should be reinforced with international partnerships, Gašparič said.

Access to expertise

The memorandum of understanding between the French energy company EDF and Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI) focuses on cooperation in R&D in the construction of new nuclear plants and small modular reactors.

"Our goal is to establish a European group of nuclear reactors developed by EDF and a European nuclear industry that has the answers to the challenges of competitiveness, energy security and sovereignty of our continent. Slovenia is at the centre of that strategy," said EDF vice president Vakis Ramany.

"The memorandum will allow the Jožef Stefan Institute to access the expertise of EDF in nuclear industry and promote the development of new projects, including the possible cooperation in the construction of a new research reactor," said JSI director Boštjan Zalar.

New uni programmes

The memorandum of understanding between I2EN and the University of Maribor is aimed at developing new university programmes on nuclear science and technology. I2EN will help evaluate the study programmes of the Maribor Faculty of Energy Technology so it can become accredited and strengthen its internationally recognised excellence, the French embassy said.

The document also promotes student and researcher exchanges, internships in France, and joint applications for EU projects.

"The new-found cooperation reflects our ambitions and the desire to work with I2EN to develop new study programmes in nuclear science and engineering at all academic levels," said Zdravko Kačič, rector of the University of Maribor.