Ten events of 2023 that will shape the future of Czech nuclear energy

For more than 70 years, Westinghouse has been a preferred supplier of advanced technologies for nuclear power plants around the world. Together with the AP1000® reactor and the AP300™ small modular reactor, it is shaping the future of carbon-free energy. Last year was a pivotal one for Westinghouse’s cooperation with partners in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Here are 10 events that made an impact in 2023 and will shape the years to come.

1. Westinghouse and Bechtel held a summit for Czech suppliers in Prague

At the end of February, Westinghouse and Bechtel welcomed 150 representatives from 55 Czech companies to Prague. Cooperation with Czech industry is essential to Westinghouse. The company wants to offer Czech firms a share of up to 65% in the completion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant. The event also marked the first public appearance of Westinghouse’s new president for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Petr Brzezina, alongside U.S. Ambassador Bijan Sabet.

2. Westinghouse will begin supplying fuel for VVER-440 reactors at Dukovany

In March, the Czech Republic made significant progress towards ensuring a stable and secure supply of nuclear energy. ČEZ signed an agreement with Westinghouse to supply VVER-440 fuel assemblies for the Dukovany plant.

3. Westinghouse unveiled the breakthrough AP300™ small modular reactor technology

In early May, Westinghouse unveiled its breakthrough small modular reactor technology, the AP300™ SMR. It is a 300 MW electric single-loop pressurized water reactor based on the proven, operating AP1000® reactor.

4. Talks on the potential deployment of Westinghouse reactors in Slovakia

Interest in nuclear technology has grown in Europe, and Slovakia is no exception. In July, Westinghouse signed memoranda of understanding there. They are intended to establish a framework for cooperation between Westinghouse and the Slovak state-owned nuclear and decommissioning company JAVYS, a. s., and to explore next steps towards the potential deployment of reactor technology in Slovakia.

5. The AP1000 reactor entered commercial operation at the Vogtle plant

At the end of July, the first advanced Generation III+ Westinghouse AP1000® nuclear reactor in the United States entered commercial operation at the Vogtle plant, operated by Southern Nuclear. It is the same technology the U.S. company is offering the Czech Republic in its nuclear tender. It is the fifth reactor of this type to be in operation. Westinghouse is therefore the only supplier offering the Czech Republic operational, proven technology of the kind required by the Czech state in the nuclear tender.

6. Historic contract signing paved the way for work to begin on Poland’s first nuclear power plant

At the end of September, Westinghouse, Bechtel and Polish state-owned company Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe (PEJ) signed an engineering services contract for Poland’s first nuclear power plant, at the Lubiatowo-Kopalino site in Pomerania. Westinghouse has long been committed to a strong regional supply chain, opening up new opportunities for many Czech companies with extensive experience in the energy industry.

7. U.S. Ambassador Sabet welcomed students back from internships at Westinghouse

In October, U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Bijan Sabet welcomed five students from the Czech Technical University in Prague and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The students had returned at the end of September from the United States, where they completed a six-week internship at the company’s headquarters. Westinghouse has long supported education in nuclear energy and seeks to help students make the transition from university to the workforce through internship programs.

8. Westinghouse and Bechtel submitted a proposal to supply up to four AP1000® reactors

The last day of October was not only the most important event of the year for Czech nuclear energy, but also for Westinghouse. The formal submission of a proposal to supply up to four AP1000 reactors strengthened cooperation between Westinghouse and the Czech Republic. Westinghouse has deep ties to the Czech nuclear industry dating back to 1993, when it began supplying advanced instrumentation and control systems for the Temelín plant, establishing a local supply network that continues to grow.

9. Brookfield and Cameco completed their acquisition of Westinghouse

The sale of Westinghouse to Brookfield and Cameco was completed in November, reinforcing the important role Westinghouse plays in meeting clean energy and energy security goals, while further supporting the company’s development and growth.

10. Westinghouse invited students to apply for its 2024 internship program

At the end of the year, Westinghouse built on its successful internships in the United States, holding lectures for students from Brno University of Technology and the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen about AP300 SMR technology and the next round of internships. The attendance of 100 students across the two universities confirmed the appeal of nuclear energy as a field of study.