The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava will intensify cooperation with Framatome, the French company, one of the world leaders in the field of nuclear energy. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Oliver Moravčík, STU Rector, and Bernard Fontana, Framatome CEO, in the presence of Ján Šoth, Slovak Ambassador to France, representatives of the French Embassy in Bratislava and the State Secretary of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Economy that took over the auspices of the memorandum.
The aim of the Memorandum is to stimulate and support educational activities in the field of nuclear energy and research cooperation. It assumes cooperation in the organization of lectures, seminars, trainings and scientific visits of the University professors, and possibly also in the field of research and development (R&D). In cooperation with the Framatome Company, STU and its Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics intend to increase the attractiveness of the related study.
"STU is competent in many fields that are necessary for safe and reliable utilisation of nuclear energy. In terms of the Memorandum signed today, I anticipate and personally support cooperation with Framatome across all workplaces," said Oliver Moravčík, STU Rector.
"The Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava along with several faculties and institutes, including the Institute of Nuclear and Physical Engineering, belong to the leading educational and research institutions in Europe. Framatome is pleased to sign this Memorandum of Understanding with STU and will keep supporting the Slovak nuclear industry," said Bernard Fontana, Framatome CEO in his speech, while adding that Framatome has a long-term relationship with Slovakia through its work for Slovenské elektrárne Co. (Slovak power plants), while simultaneously operating locally through the Reaktortest and Framatome Controls companies.
Rector Moravčík highlighted the activity of the Slovak Republic Ministry of Economy and emphasized the necessity of clear and specific support for such cooperation and increase of the University competences in the field of nuclear energy as the backbone of Slovakia's economy. The importance of nuclear energy and its development for Slovakia has been also confirmed by Kamil Šaško, the State Secretary of the SR Ministry of Economy, who signed the memorandum on behalf of Minister Sakova.
"Besides maintaining the current level of the dominant portfolio of nuclear electricity production, we strive to increase the share of nuclear capacities in the future, and address the challenges related to the deficit of qualified experts in the peaceful use of nuclear energy," added Kamil Šaško.
Framatome designs, manufactures and installs components, fuel, instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants and offers a wide range of reactor services. For 65 years, the company has been involved in all phases of the process in all types of reactor technologies. It has participated in the maintenance of 385 out of the 450 nuclear power plants installed worldwide. Currently, the Company employs almost 20,000 people at more than 70 workplaces around the world, including Slovakia.
16 February 2024
