EDF strengthens commitment to cooperation with Czech nuclear industry

EDF held its European Nuclear Suppliers Days in Paris, attended by more than 300 industry representatives from 15 European countries, who discussed new nuclear projects in Europe using EPR and NUWARD SMR technologies. Aside from France, the Czech nuclear industry had the largest representation of any country at the event, with 24 companies.

EDF is currently taking part in the tender for the construction of new nuclear capacity in Czechia, in which it is offering up to four EPR1200 reactors. In terms of cooperation with local industry, EDF wants to use its model proven in the UK, where British companies account for 64 % of the value of the contract to build the Hinkley Point C power plant. EDF aims to achieve similar or higher levels of localisation in Czechia as well.

To this end, new agreements were signed in Paris between EDF and key companies in the Czech nuclear industry: Armatury Group, I&C Energo, Sigma Group, Škoda JS and ZAT. These agreements specify the scope of potential supplies and significantly strengthen EDF's commitment to future cooperation. Agreements were also concluded with the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs and the Czech Association of Steel Structures.

Czech industry was represented at the event across a broad range of fields, including engineering studies, electrical engineering, piping, construction work, electromechanical equipment, installation, control and instrumentation systems, cooling systems and ventilation. Company representatives presented their interest in participating in future nuclear projects not only in Czechia, but across Europe.

"Building a European supply chain in the nuclear energy sector is essential to achieving European independence across the energy sector. Moreover, such a supply chain can and should be a 'European product' that will play a significant role in the global nuclear market. An 'Airbus of nuclear energy' is the most fitting definition of what we must achieve. It is more than logical that France is the driving force behind this process. For the Czech nuclear industry, which is the second strongest in Europe, it is an honour to be part of this strategic partnership, and we will do everything possible to build what Europe expects and, above all, needs," commented Josef Perlík, executive director of the Czech Energy Alliance, on the new agreements.

Karel Volf, CEO of Metrostav DIZ, which is ready to enter into a joint venture with French construction company Bouygues Travaux Publics, said: "We are pleased to be able to cooperate on such a complex project. The agreement with Bouygues Travaux Publics, which was reached at an early stage of the Czech tender process, is an ideal solution that benefits not only the parties involved, but also EDF as the client. Bouygues Travaux Publics can apply its unique and extensive experience in constructing nuclear power plants, while Metrostav DIZ will bring knowledge of local conditions and extensive local resources. Early and close cooperation will enable us to align our teams and ensure the right resources are available at the right time."

EDF estimates that, if Europe is to meet its climate targets, up to 50 new nuclear reactors will need to be commissioned on the continent over the coming decades. In France alone, up to 14 EPR2 reactors are expected to be launched by 2050, while more than a dozen potential EPR or EPR1200 projects are under consideration in other European countries.