30, 50, 60… What percentage of Dukovany will go to Czech companies?

Czech companies are keen to secure their share of the Dukovany project. It is now almost certain that the secondary circuit will remain in the Czech Republic. Decisions on a number of other contracts will be made in the coming years.

Sufficient participation by Czech companies in the construction of new nuclear power plants represents a red line for both government officials and industrial groups. The colossal sum of 200 billion crowns for a single reactor unit, without external financing, is attracting the attention of domestic manufacturers, who see this project as a historic opportunity.

South Korea’s KHNP, the ČEZ Group and Czech firms will determine the extent of domestic involvement. Whilst the Ministry of Industry and Trade realistically anticipates a 50% involvement of Czech entities, with a possible maximum of 70–75%, the government and industry are pushing for 60% participation. Petr Závodský, Director of Elektrárna Dukovany II, confirms: “From the very beginning, we have anticipated a 60% involvement of Czech firms, and I can confirm that this target is achievable.”

In February, Minister Lukáš Vlček (STAN) called for at least one-third of supplies to be secured in the form of future commitments prior to the contract being signed. Doosan Škoda Power from Plzeň has already secured a contract for the secondary circuit, representing approximately a 20% share. MICo and Chemcomex may supply heat exchangers and piping systems.

Construction of the first unit is scheduled to begin in 2029, with operations commencing in 2036. Further decisions regarding the participation of Czech entities will be made in the coming years through tendering processes. The Association of Construction Entrepreneurs is confident in the ability of domestic firms to carry out all construction work.

In the long term, ČEZ expects that maintenance and servicing of both new reactors for a period of 60+ years will continue as it does today – primarily in the hands of Czech partners.

The Korean side delivered negative news by withdrawing from three European tenders (Sweden, Slovenia, the Netherlands). This likely rules out opportunities for Czech manufacturers on further KHNP projects in Asia, where competition offering lower prices without European standards prevails.