The Czech Republic has taken a major step toward strengthening its energy independence with the signing of a landmark deal on Wednesday, June 4th, between state-controlled power company ČEZ and South Korea’s KHNP to build two new nuclear reactors at the Dukovany power plant.
The agreement, finalized just hours after a legal obstacle was overturned, marks one of the country’s most significant energy investments to date. Prime Minister Petr Fiala called the deal “a crucial step” in the nation’s strategy to become more energy self-sufficient and secure. “Nuclear energy is important for the Czech Republic,” Fiala emphasized.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Administrative Court cleared the path by dismissing a lower court decision that had temporarily blocked the contract, ruling the previous verdict was not in accordance with the law.
Unlike Austria and Germany, which are phasing out nuclear energy, the Czech Republic is doubling down on nuclear and renewables to meet its climate goals. Currently, six nuclear reactors generate more than one-third of the country’s electricity. ČEZ operates four reactors at Dukovany and two 1,000-megawatt units at the Temelín plant.
