Czech government approves plan to address impacts of Dukovany construction, with CZK 15 billion in spending

The government today approved an action plan to address the impacts of the planned construction of new nuclear units at Dukovany. The document sets out a total of 35 measures, with projected spending of CZK 15 billion. The state will provide CZK 12 billion. The funding is intended to mitigate risks associated with pressure on transport infrastructure, housing, healthcare and other areas in the region. Regional Development Minister Petr Kulhánek (for STAN) said this at a press conference after the cabinet meeting.

The construction of new nuclear units in Czechia is set to be the largest domestic contract. At current prices, the cost of building two reactors at Dukovany is CZK 407 billion.

The action plan is based on a study which says the region will need to prepare for almost 10.000 new residents, for whom up to 3000 homes may be needed, as well as additional capacity among doctors. Car traffic in the region is also expected to increase, making it necessary to develop local bus services and modernise the road network around Dukovany.

According to Kulhánek, the approved plan contains 35 measures addressing the expected negative impacts on transport, healthcare, housing, the labour market, municipal finances, crisis management and the integrated rescue system. A total of CZK 15 billion is expected to be spent on the measures, Kulhánek said, with CZK 12 billion coming from the state budget and the remainder from local governments.

"Completing Dukovany is strategically essential for our country's energy future, but it must not place an excessive burden on local residents. By approving the action plan, the government guarantees that the state will provide the necessary compensation and investment to minimise the impacts of construction and enable local governments to prepare for the construction period and the increased pressure," Kulhánek noted.

Industry and Trade Minister Lukáš Vlček (STAN) said the state would create specific financial instruments in the future to fund the measures. State funds, for example, will be involved. Vlček said the plan had been drawn up in coordination with regional strategies.

ČEZ is preparing to build two new units at Dukovany. They are to be built by South Korean company KHNP. The first of the new reactors at Dukovany is expected to be completed in 2036. Geological surveys are currently under way at the Dukovany site to gather more detailed information about the properties and quality of the soil and rock beneath the buildings and complexes of the new nuclear units. The surveys began in August and are expected to last about a year.