Czech Nuclear Tender Sparks Appeals from EDF and Westinghouse

The Czech anti-monopoly office UOHS has received appeals from France's EDF and U.S. group Westinghouse regarding a multibillion-dollar nuclear tender. The Czech government chose South Korea's KHNP to build nuclear power units. Westinghouse claims KHNP lacks a necessary export license. Appeals are ongoing.

The Czech anti-monopoly office UOHS announced on Tuesday that it has received appeals from France's EDF and U.S. group Westinghouse over a multibillion-dollar nuclear tender.

In July, the Czech government selected South Korea's KHNP to construct two new nuclear power units, with the possibility of more, preferring it over EDF. Notably, Westinghouse was excluded from the tender's final round. EDF has not commented on its appeal.

Westinghouse stated that its appeal hinges on the fact that KHNP lacks a licensing agreement to export reactors based on Westinghouse technology. This issue is subject to ongoing international arbitration, with a decision not expected until the latter half of 2025.

The Czech Republic aims to finalize contract negotiations with KHNP by the first quarter of next year. Responding to the dispute, KHNP assured it would adequately address the Westinghouse appeal to avoid negative impacts on the Czech nuclear project.

Earlier this year, Prague expanded the tender run by 70%-state-owned energy company CEZ to potentially include multiple units, an increase from the initially planned single unit.

(With inputs from agencies.)