Bratislava - Czech energy firm CEZ is to build a new nuclear power plant in Slovakia to help offset a closure of its two Soviet-era reactors, an official said Wednesday.

The Slovak leftist government of Prime Minister Robert Fico selected CEZ as its strategic partner for building a new unit in the Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear energy complex, Slovak Economy Minister Lubomir Jahnatek said.

Slovakia vowed to shut down two Soviet-era units in Jaslovske Bohunice by 2009 as part of its accession deal with the European Union, which the country of 5.3 million entered in 2004.

Slovak officials have since complained that the closure was groundless and will cause the country to import 20 per cent of its energy needs.

After the shutdown is completed on December 31, Slovakia is to generate power in two other existing Jaslovske Bohunice reactors and two units in southern Mochovce nuclear plant.

The new Jaslovske Bohunice plant, whose cost is estimated at 4 to 5 billion euros (5.7 to 7.2 billion dollars), is planned to be completed by 2020, the economy ministry said.

CEZ and the Slovak state-owned energy firm JAVYS are to form a joint venture to build the new unit. The Slovak partner will hold 51 per cent, while CEZ, which is controlled by the Czech state, will own a 49-per-cent stake, the ministry said.

Slovakia, a supporter of nuclear energy, earlier selected Italy's Enel to build two additional units in Mochovce. (dpa)