Delay in Nuclear Power Plant Bidding Due to COVID-19 Spread in Czech Republic

Czech Republic to Re-discuss at January Prime Minister and Party Leaders Meeting
Plan to Build One 1,200MW Dukovany Nuclear Reactor Worth 8 Trillion Won
KHNP "Team Korea" Continues Bidding Activities

Exterior view of the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in the Czech Republic. (Photo by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] It has been confirmed that the bidding schedule for the 8 trillion won-scale Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant construction project in the Czech Republic has been postponed due to the local spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) plans to continue its contract-winning activities.

According to KHNP on the 24th, the Czech Nuclear Regulatory Authority announced on the 9th that the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade postponed the issuance schedule of the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new nuclear power plant project, which was originally scheduled for the end of this year.

This project involves building one 1000~1200 MW-class nuclear power plant unit in the Dukovany area of the Czech Republic, with the project cost expected to reach 8 trillion won.

A KHNP official explained, "The Czech government plans to decide the bidding schedule through a meeting between the Prime Minister and representatives of each political party scheduled for next month," adding, "The exact detailed schedule regarding the issuance of the RFP will be re-announced next month."

Earlier, Czech Health Minister Jan Blatn? announced on the 23rd (local time) that a full lockdown would begin from the 27th, closing all stores except those selling daily necessities. The curfew hours will be moved forward from 11 PM to 9 PM.

A KHNP official said, "Due to the severe COVID-19 situation locally, the Czech Ministry of Industry announced the postponement of the RFP issuance," and explained, "During the review process of the RFP contents within the Czech Republic, political disagreements arose regarding national interests and national security, but it seems they are currently being coordinated."

Once the RFP is issued, there will be a six-month period for preparing the bid documents, followed by an evaluation of the suppliers. KHNP maintains its position to continue related work with 'Team Korea' regardless of the bidding schedule delay.

Team Korea is a dedicated bidding organization formed by KHNP. It consists of Korea Electric Power Technology, KEPCO Nuclear Fuel, Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, and Daewoo Engineering & Construction.

A KHNP official stated, "To submit a high-quality FTP, we will continuously operate the Team Korea bidding organization and carry out local contract-winning activities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.