Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, November 30, 2022 Dukovany, Třebíčsko. In the foreground of the field where the Dukovany II Nuclear Power Plant will stand.
Prague – Český průmysl can participate in the construction of the planned nuclear unit in Dukovany for up to 65 percent. In such a case, the domestic gross domestic product (GDP) could increase by up to 234 billion crowns and revenues to public budgets by 96 billion crowns. A study by the Faculty of Economics of the University of Economics in Prague, which its authors presented today at a press conference, takes this into account. According to them, it is appropriate to consider the construction of up to four new reactors in the future, which would further increase domestic revenues.
Advertisement'; }
The Czech Republic is currently preparing the construction of a new nuclear unit in Dukovany, which should be completed in 2036. The energy company ČEZ, which is in charge of the project, is evaluating the bids of three applicants for the construction. In addition, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MPO) is preparing documents for the government to decide on the possible construction of additional reactors in Dukovany and Temelín.
According to industry representatives, the construction of new blocks of nuclear power plants is a key state project. At the same time, they emphasize ensuring the state's energy security and also the involvement of Czech companies in the project, which, according to them, would bring significant returns to the entire Czech industry.
According to the study, it is possible to involve Czech industry in up to 65 percent of the entire project, not only in construction, but also in service work during its operation and supply chains. In such a case, according to the authors of the study, domestic GDP could increase by up to 234 billion crowns. Revenues to public budgets would increase by 96 billion crowns. In addition, according to the study, the state would collect an additional 1.66 billion crowns per year in income taxes and up to 6.18 billion crowns per year in social and health insurance.
In the construction of additional reactors, revenues would continue to increase. In the case of the construction of four blocks, the GDP of the Czech Republic would increase by up to 936 billion crowns, according to the study.
“Czech industry has an eminent interest in participating to the maximum extent possible in this strategically important project, which will affect the future of our country for at least half a century,” said Josef Perlík, executive director of the Czech Energy Alliance. According to him, domestic companies have enough experience and resources to participate significantly in the project.
According to former president Václav Klaus, political support will be important for the widest possible involvement of Czech industry in construction. “The state must take it as its task,” he said. According to him, it is not only about financing, but also the government's decisiveness in negotiations with bidders.
ČEZ this week started negotiations with bidders for the construction of a new nuclear unit in Dukovany ahead of time. By May, he wants to clarify some parameters of offers from interested parties. Interested parties should submit their final offers in mid-September this year. The French company EDF, the South Korean company KHNP and the North American Westinghouse submitted initial offers last fall. ČEZ, which is in charge of the project, did not disclose the details of these offers.
The Czech Republic currently has six nuclear units in two power plants. Two units, each with a capacity of approximately 1,000 megawatts (MW), are located in Temelín in South Bohemia. Four smaller blocks with an output of 510 MW are located in Dukovany in the Třebíč region.
