Czech Republic to Decide on Temelin Units 3 and 4 Next Year... Anticipation Grows for Additional Large-Scale Nuclear Orders for KHNP

Interview with Tomas Ehler, Director of Nuclear Energy and New Technologies, Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade

"Additional Nuclear Power Plants Needed for Stable Power Supply"

"Expecting Follow-Up Projects Linked to Smooth Progress of Duk

At the 'Korea Nuclear Annual Conference' held at BEXCO in Busan on the 22nd, Tomas Erhler, Director of Nuclear Power and New Technologies at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade (right), and Petr Zabodsky, CEO of EDU II, are answering reporters' questions. Photo by Kang Nahum.

The Czech government has announced its intention to make a final decision next year on whether to proceed with the construction of Units 3 and 4 at the Temelin nuclear power plant, a new nuclear project. Since this plan involves linking it to the progress of the ongoing Dukovany nuclear power plant project, there is growing interest in Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's potential for securing additional contracts.

On April 22 at the 'Korea Nuclear Annual Conference' held at BEXCO in Busan, Tomas Erhler, Director of Nuclear Power and New Technologies at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade, met with reporters and stated, "In order to ensure a stable electricity supply in the Czech Republic, it is necessary to construct Temelin Units 3 and 4." He added, "We are currently reviewing the financial prerequisites and the basic plan, and expect to be able to make a final decision next year."

He also said, "The progress of the Dukovany project will be an important factor in our decision," and explained, "We have received a competitive proposal from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power." Previously, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (Team Korea) was selected as the preferred bidder for the new construction of Temelin Units 3 and 4. If awarded the contract, the company will undertake a mega-project to consecutively build a total of four large-scale nuclear power units, including Dukovany Units 5 and 6 and Temelin Units 3 and 4.

The Czech side also emphasized that the Dukovany nuclear power plant project is proceeding according to plan so far. Petr Zabodsky, CEO of EDU II, which oversees the overall construction and operation of the Dukovany plant, said, "It has been eight months since signing the contract, and we have received the conceptual design—a large-scale construction package—from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and the site investigation has also been completed. This is an important contractual milestone," he said. He added, "The next key schedule is to submit licensing documents to the nuclear regulatory authority, and we are targeting submission within one year."

The Czech government is also closely overseeing the entire project. Director Erhler explained, "The government is taking responsibility for necessary activities such as building operational infrastructure, providing financial support, and supporting local communities, and overall, the project is progressing according to schedule."

It is assessed that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's selection for the Dukovany project was primarily based on its ability to complete the project within the set timeframe and budget. Director Erhler stated, "The most important criterion in selecting a partner was the ability to complete the project within the designated period and budget," and added, "In 2024, the Czech Prime Minister also evaluated that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power made the best proposal in every aspect."

CEO Zabodsky also commented, "While the Czech Republic has more limited experience in nuclear power plant construction compared to Korea, Korea has consistently built nuclear power plants in countries such as the UAE," and added, "The APR1000 model to be applied in the Dukovany project is also competitive due to its advanced safety features compared to previous models."

However, the importance of risk management, inherent to nuclear projects, was also emphasized. Director Erhler said, "Nuclear power plant construction is an extremely complex and high-risk project, so the Czech Republic and Korea are working together to identify and address risks in advance," and added, "We will actively utilize the Czech Republic's experience and supply chain, taking into consideration differences between the countries such as legal and environmental factors."

Perspective view of the Dukovany new nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.

Regarding the legal dispute with France, the Czech side stated that the matter has already been concluded. Previously, after losing to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power in the Czech nuclear plant bidding competition, Electricite de France (EDF) filed an objection, claiming that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power had violated the EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR). Director Erhler said, "Both the Czech Supreme Court and regional courts dismissed the case due to insufficient grounds," and added, "Currently, we are in discussions with the European Commission regarding the national subsidy approval process, but this is a matter of timing, not of approval itself." He continued, "As the project scope expands from one unit to two, re-approval is required, and we expect financial arrangements to be made in early 2027."

The Czech Republic has also made clear its intention to increase the share of nuclear power in its energy strategy. Director Erhler stated, "We plan to increase the current share of nuclear power, which is about 30%, to 50-60%," emphasizing, "This is necessary for energy security and a stable electricity supply." He added, "We are also utilizing renewable energy and gas, but due to the country's landlocked nature, there are limitations to solar and wind power."

The increase in electricity demand is also cited as a key reason for expanding nuclear power. CEO Zabodsky said, "With the advent of the AI era, electricity consumption is rising rapidly, so Dukovany alone may not be sufficient," and predicted, "We will need to introduce additional nuclear plants and also small modular reactors (SMRs)."

There was also a high level of satisfaction expressed regarding the level of cooperation between Korea and the Czech Republic. CEO Zabodsky said, "We hold monthly progress review meetings with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and conduct face-to-face meetings every quarter, maintaining close cooperation. This project goes beyond a simple client-supplier relationship and is a joint project," he emphasized.

Director Erhler likewise stated, "The governments of both countries regularly review project progress and risks through a high-level consultative body," and added, "The consultative body, led by the ministers of industry and trade from both countries, also includes the CEOs of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the client company, further strengthening cooperation."

The Czech side also delivered a message of expanding cooperation with Korean companies. CEO Zabodsky stated, "It will be difficult to successfully complete nuclear plant construction unless Czech and Korean companies work together," and added, "Local companies are very willing to cooperate and are seeking opportunities together."

Director Erhler also said, "We applaud Korea's achievements and hope to cooperate from a partnership perspective, not as competitors," and stressed, "Success in the Czech project could be an opportunity to expand into Slovakia, Poland, and the broader European market."

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