Czech energy and construction associations: local firms can take on work at the new Dukovany reactors

Two Czech industry associations, Svaz energetiky ČR (the Energy Association) and Svaz podnikatelů ve stavebnictví ČR (the Association of Construction Entrepreneurs), have called on South Korea's KHNP to quickly resolve the situation over the construction contract for the two new nuclear reactors at Dukovany. In a joint statement quoted by the ČTK news agency and the oEnergetice.cz portal, the associations say the failed talks risk breaking the continuity of preparations in which Czech firms have invested so far, but also open room for direct involvement of domestic industry.

What happened. At the end of October, KHNP announced the end of unsuccessful negotiations with the Korean consortium of Daewoo Engineering & Construction and Doosan Enerbility, citing differing positions on key terms. The company is preparing an alternative plan to select a new builder and has said the project schedule remains unchanged.

What the associations want. They expect KHNP to present a concrete plan as soon as possible: a timetable for selecting the new builder, the contractual model and how continuity of preparatory work will be ensured. "Our companies are ready to take responsibility for specific supply packages," said Josef Kotrba, executive director of Svaz energetiky. Jiří Nouza, president of the construction association, said the absence of a construction contract limits Czech firms' ability to start full preparation and mobilise capacity. The associations are calling for preparations to continue, including for construction parts such as the turbine hall.

The figures. The project is the largest contract in Czechia: the two reactors are estimated to cost CZK 407 billion at last year's prices. Construction of the first unit is due to start in 2029, with completion in 2036. According to ČT24, KHNP expects Czech firms to account for about 60% of the whole project.

What comes next. Meanwhile, KHNP has launched a tender for the new plant's hybrid cooling towers, and the contract with the winner is due to be signed in the first half of next year, according to ČT24.

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