Slovenské elektrárne expects slightly lower profits and keeps investing

Slovenské elektrárne, controlled by EPH, reported a record net profit of €815m last year and expects an annual profit of €700m after the launch of the fourth block of Mochovce next year. Despite increased power generation, profits will decline due to falling electricity prices in the region. SE reduced its debt from €4.2bn in 2022 to €3.2bn at the end of 2024. The debt now stands at 1.9 times annual EBITDA, leaving room for new loans. SE is working to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plants to 60–80 years. It is building a 36 MW battery in Nováky, the largest in Slovakia, and investing €150m to improve the flexibility of regulatory services at the Čierny Váh pumped storage power plant. The project also includes a 100 MW battery at Čierny Váh. SE CEO Branislav Strýček cited emission allowances, which account for 40% of the electricity price, as the main reason for high prices in Europe—a cost not borne by non-European competitors.

(forbes.sk)