The Czech Republic is planning a significant expansion of its nuclear energy production capacity, which has played a major role in the country’s energy system for many years, accounting for about one third of the total electricity production. Currently, the country has six nuclear reactors, four at the Dukovani plant and two at the Temelin plant.
In line with global trends and policies, the Czech government wants to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve energy security, which is why it has initiated plans to build additional nuclear reactors. The plan was to build one new reactor in Dukovani, with the possibility of adding three more reactors later. But the government has decided to change the plan by asking for bids to build all four new reactors at once, as it can be cheaper to do it all together, according to World Nuclear News.
Two major producers of nuclear technology, France’s EDF and South Korea’s KHNP, participated in the tender for this project. After a detailed review involving many experts, the Czech government chose KHNP, due to their competitive pricing and proven ability in project management. KHNP operates power plants, both nuclear and hydro, which generate nearly a third of South Korea’s electricity.
The first phase of the project is planned to include the construction of two units, which would cost approximately $8.6 billion per unit. This involves building two reactors on the same site, which should reduce overall costs.
The government aims to finalize and sign contracts for these reactors by the end of March 2025, with the plan for the first new reactor to begin testing in 2036, and to begin commercial operation by 2038.
In addition to nuclear energy, the Czech Republic is also investing in renewable energy sources, continuing to work to reduce CO2 emissions and improve its energy independence.
Energy portal
Source: energetskiportal.rs
