A new face for the Czech Vysočina Region: How will the completion of Dukovany transform the region?

The Ministry for Regional Development has published a socioeconomic study on the impact of completing the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, prepared by consulting firm KPMG Czech Republic. It shows that the project will bring almost 10,000 new residents to the region while also increasing municipal revenues and improving the region’s prosperity. However, it also identifies negative impacts, such as a housing shortage of up to 3,000 units.

The study updates an earlier analysis of the impact of completing the Dukovany nuclear power plant on the region, which also examined the possible closure of the plant.

In terms of economic impacts, completion of the Dukovany plant (EDU) will lead to the creation of up to 1,000 new businesses and support the local economy to the tune of CZK 230–250 billion. The main beneficiaries will be the transport, construction, retail, accommodation and hospitality sectors. EDU will increase municipal tax revenues by CZK 1.5 billion as the population grows. The peak number of workers is expected to exceed 5,300, and each unit is expected to create demand for up to 700 new skilled positions, or 1,400 permanent positions in total.

Unemployment in the region is low and the labour market is stable. However, there are not enough workers with the skills needed to complete EDU, particularly in technical and administrative roles. The study did not confirm the risk of the project draining the wider labour market, but it did point to the risk of an influx of foreign workers, particularly in construction, who will be needed for the project.

The completion could therefore help mitigate population ageing and the outflow of young people from the region. By the mid-2030s, up to 9,700 new residents involved in construction and their family members could be living in the affected area. This will also create a need for new accommodation.

Potential challenges associated with the project

The region has 7,573 beds available for temporary accommodation, which will not be enough. Almost 3,000 new apartments will need to be built by 2034, at a cost of more than CZK 10.8 billion. Leisure and cultural infrastructure is adequate, but may be outdated.

Healthcare access in the region is already below the Czech average, particularly for general practitioners, paediatricians, dentists, gynaecologists and other specialists. The influx of new residents could make this problem worse, so healthcare facilities will need to expand their capacity.

Politicians are also aware of the potential challenges and want to follow up the study with an action plan to help manage the situation more effectively.

“This is a key document that gives us a clearer picture of what the completion of the Dukovany units will mean for the neighbouring municipalities and what it will involve. The study must be followed by an action plan setting out the steps that need to be taken. We must prepare for new employees to arrive in the region, and we still have a lot of work ahead of us in this regard. Most of the negative impacts will become apparent in the area as soon as construction begins. We must therefore address their consequences now and minimise them as much as possible, so that completing Dukovany brings the region the benefits we hope for rather than becoming a burden.” said Petr Kulhánek, Minister for Regional Development.

Transport remains a question mark, particularly the Třebíč bypass. Routes for transporting the oversized components needed for construction must be planned and then upgraded or newly built before construction of EDU itself begins. Four associations have appealed the zoning decision issued for the Třebíč bypass, which is essential for the transport of the oversized components mentioned above, further delaying the possible construction of the bypass. Transport investments across the region are expected to reach several billion CZK.

The completion project brings a host of challenges, but also opportunities, especially for the region’s residents. Overall, however, the project is welcomed in the region for the economic benefits it will bring. The plant is also one of the best employers in the Vysočina Region.