Czech Industry Ministry to unveil plan for longer Dukovany operation, units could run beyond 2035

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) will today present information on the continued operation of the existing nuclear units at Dukovany. The units, commissioned in the 1980s, are currently licensed to operate until 2035, but according to the ministry, they can operate much longer. They should complement the new units.

Four nuclear units are currently operating at Dukovany, each with a capacity of 510 megawatts (MW). The first was commissioned in 1985. All Dukovany units currently hold operating licences from the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) until 2035. Subject to meeting safety requirements, their operation can be extended further.

The possibility of further extending the operation of the existing units has been confirmed by economic and safety analyses, according to the ministry. The ministry also intends to rely on their findings in seeking a further operating licence. Experts have previously indicated that, technically, it is realistic to consider operating the existing units at least until 2045. Energy company ČEZ has, however, already begun examining the option of operating them for up to 70 years, including beyond 2050.

The current units should in future complement two new units that Korean company KHNP is preparing at Dukovany. At last year's prices, the cost amounts to CZK 407 billion for both units. The first of the new reactors at Dukovany is expected to be completed in 2036. Over the next three to five years, energy company ČEZ should also, under a government decision, negotiate with the Koreans an option to build two more units at Temelín. Two units currently stand there, each with a capacity of approximately 1000 MW.