South Korean energy giant KHNP has secured a multi-billion dollar contract to construct two nuclear units at a Czech power plant, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Wednesday.
KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) outperformed France’s EDF in a tender initially launched in 2022 for the construction of a new reactor at the Dukovany power plant. The government had since expanded its requirements, seeking binding offers for up to four new units at its two Soviet-designed power plants, Temelin and Dukovany.
“The Korean offer was better on all evaluated criteria,” Fiala told reporters.
Dukovany First, Temelin Under Consideration
“We have decided to build two units at Dukovany for the time being,” Fiala clarified, adding that the government would discuss the option of two additional units at Temelin.
According to Fiala, KHNP’s proposed price was more favorable than anticipated, estimated at around 200 billion Czech crowns ($8.65 billion) per unit if two units are constructed.
He also emphasized that Czech companies would participate in approximately 60% of the construction.
Timeline and Reactor Model
The government plans to sign an agreement with KHNP by next March, with construction set to commence in 2029. The first reactor is scheduled for trial operation in 2036.
KHNP will provide its APR1000 pressurized water reactor model, boasting a capacity of 1050 MW and designed for European power plants.
“We will do our best to build the APR1000 reactor in the Czech Republic on time and within budget,” KHNP CEO Jooho Whang posted on X (formerly Twitter).
EDF’s Response and Future Prospects
EDF had actively pursued these contracts, with French President Emmanuel Macron visiting Prague in March to promote their offer.
In a statement, the French group acknowledged the tender results.
“Nevertheless, EDF stands ready to continue or restart discussions with CEZ and the Czech government should the tender process be modified or adjusted in the coming weeks or months,” the statement added.
Czech Nuclear Landscape
The Czech state-owned energy group CEZ currently operates six nuclear units at the two power plants located in the southern part of the country. Industry and Trade Minister Jozef Sikela informed reporters on Wednesday that nuclear power plants account for approximately 30% of Czech electricity production.
“In the future, this share will be around 50%,” Sikela highlighted.
The government had previously excluded American giant Westinghouse due to shortcomings in its offer, as well as Russia’s Rosatom and China’s CGN due to security concerns.