At Temelín, Czech forces practiced response to an attack; exercise also important because of Ukraine

An exercise at the Temelín nuclear power plant culminated today, with around 200 soldiers, police officers and ČEZ representatives practicing since June 12 how to protect the plant from an attack by a paramilitary armed group. They rehearsed a scenario in which the government declared extraordinary security measures and the plant’s security system was tightened. The exercise is also important in light of new risks arising from the war in Ukraine, representatives of the military, police, state and ČEZ told journalists today.

„Under the strictest security regime, we would close the plant and only a few dozen people responsible for its safe operation would remain inside. The ultimate option would be to shut down the units,“ said ČEZ security director Daniel Rous.

The exercise fulfils a legal requirement for soldiers, police officers and energy workers. They have to hold an exercise like this once every two years, said Zdeněk Witkovský of the State Office for Nuclear Safety.