91996E2851

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2851/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (25 October 1996)

Subject: Nuclear energy in the Slovak Republic

1. By what percentage are the additional costs for the reconstruction of Bohunice and the completion and retrofitting of Mochovce likely to exceed the costs as originally estimated?

2. (a) Experience suggests that with complex projects of this nature over a long period of time which is difficult to plan in advance the budget can be exceeded by several thousand percent. Are there any additional Hermes and Cofase financial guarantees, and who is responsible for this?

(b) Who assesses the needs?

(c) Who decides on whether to provide additional loans?

(d) Who pays the additional costs?

3. What liability obligations and costs are being borne by Siemens and Framatome, and what are the implications of this?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (6 January 1997)

As the Commission is not financially supporting the re-construction of the Mochovce nuclear plant, it is not in a position to comment on the cost estimates or liability obligations of those involved in the construction of that plant.

The Slovak government has provided an assurance that Bohunice NPP-V-I will be shut down in the year 2000 at the latest provided that the first and second unit of Mochovce nuclear plant are in commercial operation by that time.