Elektrárna Dukovany II (EDU II), the CEZ subsidiary responsible for the nuclear tender, filed a motion to the Regional Court in Brno to cancel the interim measure. In May, it blocked the signing of the final agreement on the construction of new nuclear units in Dukovany due to a lawsuit filed by the French company EDF, which questioned the tender process. In addition to this move, EDU II has previously filed a cassation complaint with the Supreme Court, using other legal tools to defend its action.
The tender for the construction of the new nuclear unit at Dukovany, specifically Unit 5, is one of the most important energy projects in the Czech Republic. It is managed by EDU II, which was established in 2015 to coordinate the preparation and implementation of this strategic project. Three global companies have bid for the tender: the South Korean Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), the French EDF and the American-Canadian Westinghouse. South Korea's KHNP was selected as the winner due to its bid meeting technical, economic and safety criteria.
Although the tender has advanced to the final stage, EDF filed a lawsuit challenging the transparency and fairness of the tender. On the basis of this lawsuit, the Regional Court in Brno issued an interim measure that temporarily stopped the signing of the final contract between ČEZ and KHNP. This step caused significant delays in the project schedule.
By filing a motion to lift the interim measure, EDU II seeks to resume the progress of the tender as soon as possible. In addition, the company has previously filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, thus using all available legal means to defend its action. These steps indicate the determination of CEZ and EDU II to proceed with construction as planned and to ensure that the project is not further compromised by legal hurdles.
The construction of the new nuclear unit at Dukovany is considered crucial for the future of the Czech energy sector. Nuclear energy forms the backbone of the country's energy mix and the new unit is to replace the existing units, which are gradually reaching the end of their useful life. The project is intended to ensure stable electricity supplies, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the Czech Republic's climate commitments. The new unit is expected to be commissioned in the mid-30s, barring further delays.
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