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4mo ago

Czech Court Blocks $18.6 Billion Nuclear Deal with South Korea’s KHNP

EDF's legal challenge delays the signing of a contract for two reactors at Dukovany, while CEZ and KHNP prepare appeals and continue project planning.

FILE - Four of the cooling towers of the Dukovany nuclear power plant rise high above the natural surroundings of Dukovany, Czech Republic, Sept. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
Image
This iamge, provided by the industry ministry, shows Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun (L) with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala in Prague on May 7, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
The Czech Republic relies on nuclear power for 40 percent of its electricity consumption

Overview

  • A Czech court issued an injunction preventing CEZ from signing a contract with South Korea's KHNP to build two nuclear reactors, following a complaint by French bidder EDF.
  • EDF alleges unfairness in the tender process after losing the bid, escalating its case to court after the Czech competition authority rejected its appeal.
  • CEZ and the Czech government plan to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court, expressing confidence in the transparency of the selection process.
  • South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun stated that only the formal signing is delayed, with all other project preparations proceeding as planned.
  • The reactors, central to the Czech Republic's coal phase-out strategy, are scheduled for trial operations in 2036 and 2038, pending resolution of legal challenges.