Karel Havlicek, the Czech shadow minister of industry and trade for ANO, described the postponement of the Dukovany completion as an "international disgrace". Legal disputes may significantly complicate the completion process.
The construction of the Dukovany nuclear power plant is facing further complications, which have provoked sharp reactions from the opposition. The signing of the key contract with the Korean company KHNP, which was scheduled for 7 May 2025, was blocked the day before by the Regional Court in Brno with a preliminary injunction. It was issued on the basis of a lawsuit filed by the French company EDF, which failed in the tender for the completion of Dukovany and challenged its course. The situation sparked a wave of criticism and fears of financial losses and international perception of the Czech Republic.
According to Havlíček, the government of Petr Fiala (ODS) did not manage the preparation of the tender and ignored warnings from the opposition that legal disputes could complicate the process. The postponement could lead to a further rise in energy prices, which would burden citizens and companies.
The judicial blockade came at a time when a Korean delegation was ready in Prague to solemnly confirm cooperation on the completion of two new units at Dukovany. Korean media, such as the server ekn.kr, have called the situation an "international disgrace" and there have even been calls in South Korea for the resignation of KHNP's management. ČEZ chief Daniel Beneš has warned that the delay could cause hundreds of millions of crowns in damages due to schedule delays and potential project cost overruns.
The company Elektrárna Dukovany II (EDU II), which represents the tender, plans to file a cassation complaint against the court's decision with the Supreme Administrative Court. Petr Závodský, the head of EDU II, said the company will defend the interests of Czech citizens and shareholders, as the court did not sufficiently take into account the public interest in ensuring sufficient electricity. While EDF insists that the tender was not fair, the Czech side defends the selection of KHNP as the best offer in terms of price, speed and involvement of Czech companies.
The construction of Dukovany remains a key project for the Czech Republic's energy future, but the uncertainty surrounding the signing of the contract threatens the timetable and budget. The first new unit was supposed to be completed in 2036, but current obstacles may further delay the deadline and the total cost, estimated at CZK 407 billion.
PS PCR/gnews.cz - cik
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