Czech Republic Chooses South Korea's KHNP for New Nuclear Power Units

The Czech government has selected South Korea's KHNP to build two new nuclear power units at the Dukovany plant, potentially adding two more at the Temelin station. This decision follows a protracted tender process aimed at maintaining nuclear power's significant role in the nation's energy strategy.

The Czech government on Wednesday selected South Korea's KHNP to build two new nuclear power units, with an option for more, after an extensive tender process aimed at ensuring nuclear power's continued major role in the country's energy mix.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) was chosen over French competitor EDF, despite strong advocacy from French President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier this year, Prague expanded the tender, managed by the 70%-state-owned energy firm CEZ, from one to multiple units.

KHNP will construct two units at CEZ's Dukovany nuclear plant, and discussions are set to cover the potential for two additional units at the Temelin station. Estimations put the cost of one unit at 200 billion crowns ($8.65 billion) when building two at the same site, according to the government.

(With inputs from agencies.)