Dukovany preparations on schedule, Czech Republic to discuss lithium with Korea

Preparations for the project to build two new nuclear units at Dukovany, which are to be constructed by South Korean company KHNP, are continuing on schedule. Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (ANO) said this after today’s meeting with his South Korean counterpart Kim Jung-kwan. In addition to Dukovany, the talks also covered the possibility of cooperation between the two countries in lithium mining and processing, with a joint project under consideration, according to Havlíček. The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) has also launched an analysis of completing Temelín, he said.

"The timetable is being adhered to," Havlíček stressed today.

The project should therefore obtain a valid construction permit next year, with construction itself set to begin in 2029. The first unit should then enter operation in 2036. At current prices, the cost of building the two reactors at Dukovany is CZK 407 billion.

The two ministers assessed the current state of preparations for the Dukovany units at today’s meeting of the so-called ministerial committee, which is expected to meet every three months with the participation of ministers from both countries. Representatives of Elektrárna Dukovany II and KHNP should also be involved. According to Havlíček, the committee will monitor compliance with the timetable and financial plans, as well as progress in involving Czech companies in the construction.

The meeting also included the signing of two cooperation agreements between the South Koreans and Czech companies. Plzeň-based Doosan Škoda Power will supply steam turbines, while Energoprojekt signed an agreement with the South Koreans on advisory services, for example on licensing and permitting. The signatures follow KHNP’s first agreements with Czech suppliers last year. According to Havlíček’s predecessor Lukáš Vlček (STAN), the agreements concluded last year secured around a 30% share for Czech suppliers. The current government has repeatedly questioned this figure. Havlíček reiterated today that Czech industry should account for a total of 60% of the project.

In connection with the construction of new nuclear capacity in the Czech Republic, Havlíček also announced today that the MPO has begun preparing a comprehensive analysis of building new nuclear units at Temelín. It should address the project’s individual energy, financial and other aspects. It should subsequently serve as a key basis for the government’s decision on construction next year. "The energy situation is such that I cannot imagine our nuclear efforts not continuing," Havlíček noted.

In addition to Dukovany, the ministers also discussed further Czech-South Korean cooperation. This could also concern planned lithium mining at Cínovec. According to Havlíček, the Czech Republic will discuss this with the South Koreans, with one option being a joint project between Czech company Geomet and South Korean company Posco, which is involved in lithium processing.

Lithium mining at Cínovec is planned by Geomet, which is majority-owned by Severočeské doly, a member of the ČEZ Group, while the remaining 49% is held by Australian holding company EMH. Under current plans, lithium mining could begin in 2030.