Slovenian Prime Minister, Robert Golob, attended a ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone for the repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste (LILRW), which is intended for the permanent disposal of waste of this type generated in the Republic of Slovenia.
The Prime Minister, Robert Golob, attended a ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone for the repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste | Author Danijel Novakovič/STA
In his address, the Prime Minister underlined the government’s support for investment in knowledge and climate policies since the beginning of its term. “If we want to make the green transition, we must first address the issue of low-carbon energy sources. The green transition cannot be based on austerity or sacrifices alone, but on a combination of the two, and above all on an abundance of low-carbon energy sources,” he said.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the laying of the foundation stone for the LILRW repository is of paramount importance both for the existing facilities and for future investments. “Today we are also removing one of the key hold-ups to the upcoming decision on the NPP2 – how and where to store waste. With today’s step, we are addressing all of these issues,” the Prime Minister said.
He added that by launching the LILRW repository project, the government is thinking about the future. “Whatever we do, we must keep future generations in mind. We must not forget our responsibility towards them,” said Prime Minister Robert Golob.
At a press conference after the government session, the Prime Minister further explained the importance of the LILRW repository project: “This is a historic debt discussed ever since the Krško Nuclear Power Plant started operating in the 1980s. It was discussed twenty years ago when the agreement with neighbouring Croatia was signed. But no government in Slovenia’s history has taken a step forward. We have waited for today and this government’s decision to dispose of radioactive waste safely,” concluded Prime Minister Robert Golob.