LJUBLJANA, Aug 22 (Reuters) - Slovenian Prime MinisterMarjan Sarec threw his weight on Thursday behind a tentativeplan to build a new nuclear reactor to help support thecountry's economic growth.
The government has not yet made a final decision on whetherto build a new reactor alongside Slovenia's existing and onlynuclear power plant Krsko (NEK).
"We have to put all our efforts into building the secondblock of the nuclear power plant," Sarec told reporters during avisit to NEK, stressing increasing demand for electricity.
At present NEK, which is equally owned by Slovenia andCroatia, covers about a fifth of Slovenian electricity needs. In2016 Slovenia and Croatia agreed to extend NEK's lifespan by 20years to 2043.
NEK was built in cooperation with U.S. firm Westinghouse andstarted operating in 1984. It was originally scheduled to closein 2023.(Reporting By Marja NovakEditing by Gareth Jones)