NEW CLEAR

The Czech government will draw up a power purchase agreement in connection with the construction of the new nuclear units at the Dukovany nuclear power plant, which will be a key part of the state's support for the project, according to a government decree. The decree, which has now been submitted for comment procedure by the Industry and Trade Ministry, is necessary for the creation of the contract. The Czech Republic received approval for public support for the first reactor from the European Commission (EC) in the spring and is now negotiating approval for the second planned unit at Dukovany. In July, the government decided to build two new nuclear reactors at Dukovany. They are to be built by the Korean company KHNP, which succeeded in a tender as the Czech government preferred it to the French company EDF. The first of the new reactors at Dukovany should be ready in 2036. The Czech Republic received the approval of public aid from the EC for the construction of one unit at Dukovany in April. The state will thus provide financial assistance for the project, while guaranteeing the stability of the plant's revenues through a power purchase agreement. It is the power purchase agreement that will be secured by the aforementioned government decree. At the same time, the government is negotiating with the commission on approval of public aid for the second unit. The cabinet wants to base its decision on the first model of public aid. The cabinet also wants to prepare a purchase agreement for the second unit. However, this will only be possible after the notification has been obtained. The cost of the construction of two reactors is Kc400bn at current prices. In the next three to five years, according to the government's decision, CEZ should also negotiate with the Koreans about an option for the construction of two more units at the Temelin nuclear power plant. *CTK Business News, 2024-08-22