Slovakia selects Rothschild & Co to advise on new nuclear financing

The Slovak government officially approved plans in May 2024 for a 1.2 GWe unit near the existing Bohunice nuclear power plant. And in September 2025 ministers approved wording for a proposed intergovernmental agreement with the USA "on the construction of a new nuclear unit ... which will be state-owned and will have an output of more than 1,000 MW". 

State-owned Javys said: "It is a project with a preliminary investment framework of several billion euros, a long construction period and a lifespan exceeding several decades, while the financing conditions will have a decisive impact on its total costs. The preparation of the project is therefore entering the next phase, the aim of which is to set an optimal and long-term sustainable financing model."

It said three bidders had taken part, with the financial contract valued at EUR13.9 million (USD16.17 million), excluding VAT.

Under the contract, Rothschild & Co will provide the state with professional support, "particularly in preparing and defending the financial structure of the project in European Union state aid processes, in applying proven solutions from large nuclear projects, as well as in preparing the project for a smooth transition to the financing and implementation phase".

Rothschild & Co has experience in preparing such projects, including work relating to the UK’s Sizewell C and the Czech Republic's new nuclear projects.

Javys said: "From the perspective of the Slovak Republic, this partnership strengthens the state's position in negotiations with the European Commission and potential domestic and international financial partners. It brings a higher level of transparency, clarity and predictability of long-term costs and enables responsible risk sharing. Slovakia will thus enter the next phase of the project prepared, with high-quality analyses, documentation and financial structures necessary for the successful implementation of the strategic goal in the field of energy."

Slovakia currently has five nuclear reactors - three at Mochovce and two at Bohunice - generating half of its electricity, and it has one more at Mochovce under construction. Both plants are operated by Slovenske Elektrarne.