Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico announced on Friday that he will engage in discussions regarding the construction of a new nuclear power unit during his upcoming visit to South Korea, as the government explores potential bidders.

The country aims to establish a new nuclear power unit with a capacity of up to 1,200 megawatts (MW) at the Jaslovske Bohunice facility. The ministries of economy and finance are expected to present their plans to the government by the end of October.

In July, Slovakia’s neighbor, the Czech Republic, selected South Korea’s KHNP over the French company EDF for the construction of new nuclear power blocks.

Fico expressed his hope that his visit, commencing Saturday, would demonstrate South Korea’s potential as a partner in the Slovak project, while also indicating that discussions would take place with bidders from the U.S. and France.

“The decision has been made to initiate communication with countries under consideration for the construction of a completely new nuclear power source, which I have previously mentioned should have an output of 1,100-1,200 megawatts,” Fico stated during a televised briefing.

South Korea maintains a strong political relationship with us and is a significant investor in Slovakia.

Fico is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during this visit, according to the government office. Slovenske Elektrarne, in which the state holds a one-third stake, successfully finished the 472 MW Unit 3 at the Mochovce facility last year and is currently finalizing another unit at the same location. Additionally, it operates two 505 MW units at the Jaslovske Bohunice plant.