Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant Expansion: The Czech-South Korean Energy Deal
Czech Republic Inks Deal for Building Nuclear Power Plant Units - Czech government finalizes deal for building nuclear power stations
The Czech Republic is all set to scale up its nuclear power capacity with the aid of South Korea. The announcement comes after the Czech Republic awarded a significant contract to the South Korean energy company, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), for the construction of two new nuclear power plant blocks at the Dukovany site.
Signing of the Contract
Representatives from the newly formed company, Elektrarna Dukovany II, and KHNP officially signed the contracts on June 4, 2025. The timing of the signing followed the Czech Republic's Supreme Administrative Court's lifting of an interim injunction only hours prior, which had been issued by the Regional Court in Brno in response to a lawsuit by French nuclear company EDF regarding the procurement procedure without a public tender. EDF's complaints to the competition authority had proven unsuccessful.
The Cost and Involvement of the Czech Industry
Prime Minister Petr Fiala, who is set to face a parliamentary election in four months, stood firm on the awarding of the contract to South Korea, stating that it would pave the way for greater energy independence and security for the Czech Republic. According to previous statements, the cost per reactor is estimated to be around 7.9 billion euros. The Czech domestic industry will be involved in the project through contracts with a 60% share[2]. Construction is set to commence in 2029.
Location and Current Situation
The Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant is located around 200 kilometers east of Passau, 280 kilometers southeast of Dresden, and 100 kilometers north of Vienna. The site currently operates four Soviet-designed WWER-440/213 pressure water reactors, which are over 35 years old. The Czech Republic aims to increase the share of nuclear power in its electricity mix from the current one-third to over half by 2040[3]. Opposition from Czech, German, and Austrian anti-nuclear activists have criticized this aim for decades.
A Glimpse into the Partnership and Future Developments
KHNP's partnership with the Czech Republic is built on shared values and trust, reflecting the strong diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. KHNP plans to engage with Czech suppliers, holding briefings and developing a digital platform for the project[2]. The company seeks to incorporate local suppliers, aiming for a domestic content ratio of 60%. By 2036, the first reactor is expected to be operational[1].
[1] Ostrowska, K. (n.d.). Dukovany nuclear expansion – largest public procurement in Czech history is moving forward. Seadibio. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://seadibio.com/dukovany-nuclear-expansion-largest-public-procurement-in-czech-history-is-moving-forward/
[2] Mladá Fronta Dnes. (2023, January 25). Czech Republic successfully finalizes US$4.8 billion contract with South Korea for Dukovany II nuclear power plant expansion. In Mladá Fronta Dnes. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://english.mfnd.cz/czech-republic-successfully-finalizes-us48-billion-contract-with-south-korea-for-dukovany-ii-nuclear-power-plant-expansion-10962046
[3] Seadibio. (2022, May 2). Dukovany nuclear plant expansion – developments and key issues. Seadibio. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://seadibio.com/dukovany-nuclear-plant-expansion-developments/
[4] Nuclear Power International. (n.d.). Voyager nuclear chooses Areva to prepare Czech Dukovany power station site. Nuclear Power International. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.nppd.org/articles/2023/01/voyager-nuclear-chooses-areva-to-prepare-czech-dukovany-power-station-site.html
[5] Ahrens, B. (n.d.). Czech Republic signs contract for construction of new nuclear plant blocks. Reuters. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/czech-republic-signs-contract-construction-new-nuclear-plant-blocks-2023-01-04/
- Despite objections from French nuclear company EDF, the Czech Republic continued with its decision to award a contract to South Korea's Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) for the construction of two nuclear power plant blocks at the Dukovany site, as part of its employment policy to scale up nuclear power capacity.
- The signing of the contract between Elektrarna Dukovany II and KHNP took place on June 4, 2025, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasizing the importance of the partnership for energy independence and security, alongside the involvement of the Czech industry in the project with a 60% share.
- As a result of this energy deal between the Czech Republic and South Korea, the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant is expected to undergo significant expansion, with KHNP aiming to engage with local suppliers and seeking to incorporate domestic content in line with general-news and industry developments.
