Vlček wants Czech Republic to seek EC notification for Dukovany construction as soon as possible

Industry and Trade Minister Lukáš Vlček (STAN) wants the Czech Republic to ask the European Commission to approve state aid for the sixth nuclear unit at the Dukovany power plant by the end of his term. The application can be submitted within days, he told reporters today as he arrived for a government meeting. Vlček discussed the so-called notification in Brussels on Monday with European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, and expects the EC's final approval by the end of next year.

"We can officially apply for notification, and we will not delay it in any way. It should happen as soon as possible," Vlček said.

"It is an important issue for me, which I would like to complete during my term," he added.

The Czech Republic plans to build two new nuclear units at Dukovany alongside the four already in operation. The state had previously obtained notification for one unit, but after deciding to build two units, it had to apply for a new one. Notification, meaning approval from the EU executive, is required because of the planned state aid from the Czech government. The Commission is examining whether everything complies with EU rules.

The construction of new nuclear units in the Czech Republic is expected to be the largest domestic contract ever. At current prices, the cost of building two reactors at Dukovany amounts to 407 billion Czech crowns. Construction will be overseen by South Korean company KHNP, which won last year's tender.