KHNP aims to conclude another 20 contracts with Czech suppliers next year

South Korean company KHNP aims to conclude more than 20 further cooperation contracts with Czech firms next year for the preparation of new nuclear units at Dukovany. Around 70 domestic companies have registered their interest so far. KHNP announced this. This year, the company has concluded nine binding contracts with Czech companies, which so far guarantee an approximately 30% share in the project. The South Koreans had previously promised that they planned to involve Czech suppliers to the extent of up to 60% of the project.

KHNP won the domestic nuclear tender last year, with the government preferring its bid over those of EDF and Westinghouse. The first unit at Dukovany is expected to be completed in 2036. The construction of new nuclear units in Czechia is expected to be the largest domestic contract in history. At current prices, the cost of the currently preferred construction of two reactors at Dukovany amounts to CZK 407 billion.

In connection with its plan for further selections of Czech companies, KHNP announced that interested parties can register as qualified suppliers until mid-February. KHNP is currently seeking suppliers of transformers, cables, control valves, heat exchangers, piping and other equipment, for example.

The largest contract signed by the South Koreans to date was apparently with representatives of Doosan Škoda Power, which also has South Korean owners. The Plzeň-based company will supply the steam turbine for the planned reactors and will also deliver the turbine hall itself. The South Koreans have concluded further agreements with companies including Škoda JS, ÚJV Řež, Mestrostav, OSC, ZAT, Nuvia and I&C Energo.

The share of Czech companies in the Dukovany construction project has long been debated. In its tender bid, the South Korean company indicated that it planned to involve Czech firms to the extent of up to 60% of the project. This guarantee is not included in the final construction agreement, raising concerns among representatives of Czech industry that the involvement of Czech firms will ultimately be limited. However, KHNP and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade continue to state that, once construction is completed, the share of Czech companies will be around 60%.

Preparations for the construction of new nuclear units at Dukovany are meanwhile continuing with geological surveys of the site. These began in August and, according to KHNP, are so far proceeding according to plan. Up to 300 boreholes are planned in total, and the surveys are expected to last approximately one year.

KHNP concluded an agreement with Elektrárna Dukovany II on the construction of the units in June this year. The framework contract covers two agreements. The first concerns the construction of two nuclear units at Dukovany, while the second covers the supply of nuclear fuel. The contract for the construction of the Dukovany units also includes an agreed option to build two additional units at Temelín.