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Krško Nuclear Power Plant
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Industrial site
The Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) is Slovenia's only nuclear facility, supplying approximately one-fifth of the nation's electricity needs. Located on the left bank of the Sava River near Krško, it was built as a joint project between the former Yugoslav republics of Slovenia and Croatia. The plant utilizes a Westinghouse pressurized water reactor and commenced commercial operation in 1983. Today, NEK is jointly owned by the Slovenian company GEN Energija and the Croatian utility HEP. The plant is distinguished by its extremely high safety standards and continuous modernization of its technical systems. Following comprehensive reviews, its planned operational lifespan has been extended to 2043. NEK plays a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and carbon-free electricity generation in the region. The facility undergoes regular inspections by the IAEA and is regarded as one of the most reliable nuclear power plants of its generation worldwide.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Kip Matije Gubca · Kulturni dom Krško · Assumption of Mary Parish Church
- Nearby: Čatež ob Savi (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 68 | 64 | 73 | 100 | 92 | 89 | 94 | 119 | 93 | 92 | 70 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Krško Nuclear Power Plant provides about 20 percent of Slovenia's electricity demand and is jointly owned by Slovenia and Croatia. It is the only nuclear power source in the country and a central part of the energy infrastructure.
Visiting
The nuclear power plant is not open to the public, but there is an information centre with exhibitions on nuclear energy. From the outside, the distinctive cooling towers and the reactor building are clearly visible from the surroundings.
Where to view it
A recommended viewpoint is the road along the Sava River north of the plant, offering a good view of the cooling towers and reactor. The nearby Gorjanci mountain also provides a distant view of the facility.
Local products
In the Krško region, agriculture is also practiced alongside nuclear energy, especially viticulture and fruit orchards. Travelers can purchase local wines and fruit brandies from the surrounding villages.
Active season
The nuclear power plant operates year-round at high capacity, typically for about 500 days continuously before a refuelling outage. This maintenance period usually occurs in early autumn and lasts a few weeks.
Nearby
A visit to the power plant can be combined with exploring the town of Krško and its baroque old town. Also recommended is a trip to Brežice Castle or the Čatež thermal baths.
Geography
Facts
- Construction of the power plant began in 1974.
- The reactor's nominal power output is approximately 700 megawatts.
- NEK delivers about 5.6 terawatt-hours of electricity per year.
- The facility was engineered to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 9.
- Slovenia and Croatia share the generated energy on a 50:50 basis.
- The power plant employs approximately 600 highly qualified professionals.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Krško Nuclear Power Plant (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is the Krško Nuclear Power Plant safe?
It meets the highest international safety standards and is regularly inspected.
Is there a visitor center?
Yes, the interactive 'Svet energije' center provides info on power generation.
Who owns the power plant?
It is owned in equal parts by Slovenia (GEN) and Croatia (HEP).
When was it built?
Construction began in 1975, and commercial operation started in 1983.
Can visitors see the reactor hall?
No, access to the power plant site itself is strictly secured and forbidden.
Krško Nuclear Power Plant: where is it located?
Krško Nuclear Power Plant is located in Slovenia.
Krško Nuclear Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kip Matije Gubca, Kulturni dom Krško, Assumption of Mary Parish Church.
Krško Nuclear Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Krško Nuclear Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Krško Nuclear Power Plant (NEK) is Slovenia's only nuclear facility, supplying approximately one-fifth of the nation's electricity needs.
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