Wedoany.com Report-Jun 6, On June 3, 2025, in Rome, Newcleo, a nuclear technology firm, and Slovakia’s state-owned JAVYS signed a joint venture agreement to develop up to four lead-cooled fast reactors (LFR-AS-200) at the Bohunice site in Slovakia. Newcleo CEO Stefano Buono and JAVYS Chairman Peter Gerhart signed the agreement, witnessed by Slovak Prime Minister Róbert Fico, Deputy Prime Minister Denisa Saková, and Italy’s Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratino.

The joint venture, the Centre for Development of Spent Nuclear Fuel Utilisation (CVP), with JAVYS holding 51% and Newcleo 49%, will focus on constructing reactors with a total capacity of 800 MWe. These will use MOX fuel made from Slovakia’s existing used nuclear fuel, reprocessed in France at Newcleo’s planned facility, enabling a closed fuel cycle. Newcleo noted: “This new operating model aims at shaping the future of the nuclear industry by establishing a complementary industrial synergy between thermal and fast reactors, by leveraging the latter’s potential to utilise spent nuclear fuel and closing the fuel cycle.”

The project begins with a 12-month feasibility study to evaluate technical and economic aspects, followed by site preparation, construction, testing, and operation phases. Newcleo and JAVYS will work with French partners to advance fuel reprocessing and manufacturing solutions.

Buono stated: “Today we are at the dawn of a new model for the nuclear energy industry, where public and private firms collaborate to close the fuel cycle. This project demonstrates that the future of nuclear energy lies in the intelligent utilisation of existing resources.” Gerhart added: “Our goal is to create a solution that will not only strengthen Slovakia energetically but will also be a model for the entire European region in the field of safe and efficient use of spent nuclear fuel.”

Newcleo plans a prototype in Italy by 2026, a reactor in France by 2031, and a commercial plant decision by 2029. This collaboration highlights Slovakia’s role in advancing sustainable nuclear energy practices.