Czech minister Vlček discusses notification for new Dukovany units in Brussels

Brussels, September 29 (CTK correspondent) - Czech Industry Minister Lukáš Vlček held talks today in Brussels with European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera on the European Commission’s notification for construction of the sixth unit at the Dukovany nuclear power plant. According to the minister, this is a matter that will take several more months, but a great deal of work has already been done and Czech authorities and the EU executive are in close contact.

The state had previously received notification from the European Commission covering one unit, but after deciding to build two units, it had to apply for a new one.

"We are in a situation where the project is underway, the EPC contract has been signed, all the transport infrastructure projects are underway, and exploratory drilling and archaeological work are being carried out," Minister Vlček said.

"But there is one more thing that needs to be finalized: the state aid notification, which the Czech Republic currently has for the fifth unit, but we want to build two units," he added.

According to him, a team of Czech experts and an EC team have been in close contact for several months. "It will take several more months, but the important thing is that a lot of work has already been done," said Vlček, who is attending a meeting of EU industry ministers today. He said there is now a renaissance of nuclear energy in Europe. At the same time, Czechia is trying to explain to Brussels that it does not have the same conditions as, for example, the Baltic states when it comes to wind energy, or as much sunshine as Spain or Italy for developing photovoltaics. Nuclear energy is therefore key for the Czech Republic, not only in terms of achieving carbon neutrality but also for the security of energy supplies, the Czech minister added.

The Dukovany nuclear power plant currently has four units, which were commissioned between 1985 and 1987. The contract to build two more units was awarded to South Korean company KHNP. At current prices, the cost of building two reactors at Dukovany exceeds CZK 400 billion.