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France and Slovenia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new agreements

France and Slovenia have signed two agreements strengthening their civil nuclear cooperation, with the aim of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reinforcing energy independence.

At the end of the Nuclear Energy for New Europe conference in Slovenia, a ceremony presided over by Ambassador Florence Lévy and the Secretary of State Prof. Dr. Jure Gašparič brought together representatives fromEDF,I2EN, the Jožef Stefan Institute and the University of Maribor to sign two important agreements. Under the auspices of the French Ambassador to Slovenia, Florence Lévy, and the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Prof. Dr. Jure GašparičThe ceremony was attended by Mr. Vakis Ramany, Senior VP in charge of EDF’s international nuclear development, and by Prof. Dr. Jan van der LeeExecutive Director of I2EN; of Prof. Dr. Boštjan ZalarDirector of the Jožef Stefan Institute; and Prof. Dr. Zdravko Kačič, rector of the University of Maribor.

The first agreement, between EDF and theJožef Stefan Institute, concerns research and development in the construction of new nuclear power plants and small modular reactors. It includes cooperation in training and the joint use ofresearch infrastructures, with the aim of developing partnerships between laboratories.

The memorandum of understanding betweenI2EN and theUniversity of Maribor aims to develop new teaching programs in nuclear engineering. Within this framework, I2EN will evaluate the new degree programs of the University of Maribor’s Faculty of Energy Technology, with a view to obtaining accreditation and reinforcing its international excellence. This includes promoting student and researcher exchanges, designing European projects and facilitating professional internships in France.

Acknowledging the key role of nuclear energy in achieving European climate neutrality by 2050 and ensuring energy independence, the four signatory institutions have committed to strengthening Slovenian and European nuclear power, particularly if Slovenia decides to build a new unit at the Krško nuclear power plant (NEK2). State Secretary Dr. Jure Gašparič emphasized that the Slovenian government supports civil nuclear energy as a key to green transition, alongside renewable energy sources.

France is fully committed to working alongside Slovenia to further develop its nuclear industry, promote an integrated value chain and support skills development. The two agreements are fully in line with the 2011 Franco-Slovenian strategic partnership, whose latest roadmap was signed on January 8, 2024.

At the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, we are aware that the development of a successful and safe nuclear program requires cooperation between industry, scientists and governments, reinforced by international partnerships. Individually, we can do a lot, but together, we can do more. The signing of the agreements today is a step in that direction.

The agreement is part of the strategic development of Franco-Slovenian cooperation, which EDF has been supporting for several years. Our key objective is the deployment of a European fleet of nuclear reactors developed by EDF, and of a European nuclear industry that meets the challenges of competitiveness, energy security and the sovereignty of our continent. Slovenia is at the heart of this strategy.

This collaboration will encourage the development of new projects and strengthen Slovenia's energy independence.

This new cooperation reflects our ambitions and our desire to develop with I2EN new study programs in nuclear science and engineering at all academic levels. We see this as our contribution and responsibility in strengthening Slovenian technological and industrial capacities in the civil nuclear field.

We are very pleased to conclude this agreement. France and Slovenia already enjoy close relations in the field of nuclear energy. This new collaboration will support students, faculty and teaching in both our countries.

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