ČEZ nuclear units target 80 years of operation, modernisation investment to rise to 12 billion annually

Energy company ČEZ expects to invest ten to 12 billion crowns annually in its domestic nuclear power plants in order to extend their operation to 80 years. The money will primarily go towards replacing technology, modernising control systems and strengthening safety. It also plans to focus on digitising operations. Dozens of technological innovations are planned each year. Bohdan Zronek, ČEZ board member and director of its nuclear energy division, told journalists today.

The company decided this year, based on economic and technical analyses, to extend the operating life of nuclear units at both Dukovany and Temelín to 80 years from commissioning. It had originally envisaged operating them for 60 years from commissioning. Under the new plans, the existing Dukovany units can therefore operate until 2065 to 2067, while the Temelín units can operate until 2080 and 2082.

"Operating nuclear power plants for up to 80 years is not a one-off decision. It is the result of long-term work based on regular assessments of equipment condition, extensive modernisation programmes and ensuring compliance with safety requirements. New technologies that we deploy or develop ourselves are also part of the whole story," Zronek said.

According to the company, one of the most visible recent investment trends is the digitisation of operations. "We have digital models of key technological systems and buildings. This enables us to plan maintenance and modernisation precisely and monitor equipment condition in real time. We have essentially eliminated paper altogether," said Miroslav Choura, executive manager of IT at the nuclear division. He stressed that the final decision still rests with a qualified expert.

According to ČEZ, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostic and inspection methods, digital X-rays, ultrasonic methods and specialised robotic systems are used to improve operational efficiency.

"These tools allow us to monitor the condition of equipment with extraordinary precision, including reactor pressure vessels, piping systems, steam generators and other safety-significant components," noted Zdeněk Čančura, director of the nuclear division's quality department.

In recent years, ČEZ has also gradually switched to extended fuel cycles at its power plants. The aim is to increase generation and use fuel more efficiently.

Dukovany has four nuclear units, each with a capacity of 510 megawatts (MW). A further two units, each with a capacity of approximately 1000 megawatts (MW), are located at Temelín in South Bohemia.

Korean company KHNP is currently preparing the construction of two additional units at Dukovany. The first is expected to be completed in 2036. Next year, the government is also expected to decide on the construction of new units at Temelín.