Czech government scraps nuclear construction committee, replaces it with new governance model

The government today abolished the Standing Committee for the Construction of New Nuclear Units. It will be replaced by a new operational governance model intended to better reflect the current project phase of the construction of new units at Dukovany. Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) announced this at today’s press conference following the government meeting.

The Standing Committee was an advisory body to the government, with its main purpose being to coordinate preparations for new nuclear units in the Czech Republic. It served as a platform for cooperation between the state, energy company ČEZ and the expert community. Its members included representatives of the government and key ministries, ČEZ and energy experts.

The new governance model should divide responsibilities among individual authorities. The government will be responsible for the project’s strategic management. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and operational management of construction at Dukovany and the development of other nuclear facilities. It will also coordinate the implementation of government tasks, prepare documents for the government and ensure interministerial cooperation.

For this purpose, a Steering Committee will be established to serve as the coordinating and working body of the Minister of Industry and Trade. The committee will ensure the operational management of construction, monitor schedules and compliance with set deadlines. It will include representatives of the MPO, the Ministry of Finance, Elektrárna Dukovany II and ČEZ.

The construction of new nuclear units in Czechia is expected to be the largest domestic contract ever. At last year’s prices, the two new units at Dukovany are expected to cost CZK 407 billion. The first unit is due to be commissioned in 2036. In addition, the MPO is preparing an analysis for a decision on the construction of two further units at Temelín. The government is expected to decide on this next year. In addition to conventional large units, small modular reactors are also expected to be built in the Czech Republic in the future. ČEZ is preparing the first of these at Temelín.