French nuclear power plant constructor EDF advocated on Wednesday for a “European approach” to revitalize nuclear energy on the continent.
This comes after a setback in the Czech Republic, where South Korea’s KHNP outbid EDF in a tender to construct new reactors.
Korean Bid “Superior on All Evaluated Criteria”
KHNP (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) surpassed EDF in a tender initially launched in 2022 for the construction of a new reactor at the Dukovany power plant. The Czech government had since expressed its desire for binding offers to build up to four new units at its two Soviet-designed power plants, Temelin and Dukovany.
The Korean bid, selected for two reactors at Dukovany at this stage, “was superior on all evaluated criteria,” Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala told reporters, referencing the price.
EDF’s Continued Commitment to European Collaboration
In response, EDF stated in a press release that it “will continue to advocate for a European approach based on technologies developed in Europe with its partners.” The company emphasized its “full commitment to pursuing the numerous ongoing nuclear projects” in Great Britain and France.
This announcement, closely watched by other countries interested in nuclear power, is a setback for EDF, which had heavily invested in this tender, proposing its EPR1200 model (a new generation medium-power reactor).
Building a “Nuclear Europe”
However, EDF insists that this setback does not undermine its goal of constructing two reactors per year starting in the next decade – one in France as part of the nuclear revival program envisioning up to 14 EPR2 reactors, and another in Europe. “This objective remains unchanged, as it is the foundation for achieving economies of scale in the industry,” synonymous with industrial performance and cost-sharing, assured a company spokesperson.
“We firmly believe that establishing a ‘Nuclear Europe’ for countries wishing to build reactors is essential if the continent wants to succeed in its energy transition and energy independence,” emphasized EDF, citing estimates that Europe plans to construct 27 to 49 reactors in the next two decades.
Looking Beyond the Czech Decision
“Beyond the decision made by the Czechs, we will obviously remain very present with all other potential customers,” added EDF.
The company stated it is in discussions with other countries (Netherlands, Slovenia, Poland, Finland, and Sweden) at a time when nuclear power is regaining favor in Europe, driven by the imperative to move away from fossil fuels and the desire for greater independence from Russia, the largest builder of nuclear power plants.