Czech Temelín nuclear power plant to generate most electricity in its history this year

The Temelín nuclear power plant will generate more electricity this year than at any point in its operating history. On Sunday, it surpassed the previous annual record of 16.48 terawatt-hours from 2017. By the end of the year, it could exceed 17 TWh, plant spokesperson Marek Sviták told journalists today. Temelín began generating electricity in 2000. Alongside Dukovany, it is one of Czechia's two nuclear power plants.

The plant is the largest electricity generator in the Czech Republic, with its output covering one-fifth of domestic consumption. "This is the result of modernisation programmes and, above all, changes to fuel cycles. We have extended operating periods between outages, naturally with the utmost emphasis on safety. And this year, everything came together as it should," said Temelín Nuclear Power Plant director Jan Kruml.

The output of the South Bohemian nuclear power plant in the coming years will depend on whether it has one or two outages a year. Scheduled outages are intended for fuel replacement, inspections and investments. Energy workers are already expecting lower generation next year. Temelín and Dukovany account for around two-fifths of total electricity generation in the Czech Republic. In 2023, they supplied 30.4 out of a total 71 TWh of electricity to the grid.

"Our aim is to ensure the most efficient and safe long-term operation possible. Czech nuclear power plants are a key zero-emission source that Czech households and businesses can rely on in the long term," said Bohdan Zronek, ČEZ board member and director of the nuclear energy division.