Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Czech Nuclear Deal Faces Delays Over Court Injunction and EU Probe

Legal and regulatory challenges temporarily halt South Korea's $18.6 billion Dukovany reactor project as the Czech government works to resolve disputes.

This photo, taken May 9, 2025, shows the Doosan Skoda Power plant in Plzen. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Daniel Benes (2nd from L), chief executive officer (CEO) of the Czech Republic's state-run energy company CEZ, holds a press briefing with other company officials in Prague on May 7, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
This photo, taken May 8, 2025, shows the Temelin nuclear power plant, located about 100 kilometers south of Prague. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
This photo, taken May 6, 2025, shows the Dukovany nuclear power plant, located about 170 kilometers southeast of Prague. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • A Czech regional court issued an injunction blocking the signing of the $18.6 billion Dukovany nuclear contract after a legal challenge from French energy firm EDF.
  • The European Commission has requested a pause to investigate potential foreign subsidies tied to KHNP's bid, adding to delays in the project timeline.
  • The Czech cabinet has preapproved the contract, allowing it to be signed immediately once the legal and regulatory barriers are resolved.
  • CEZ CEO Daniel Benes stated that a motion to dismiss the injunction will be filed within the week, signaling efforts to expedite the process.
  • The project is central to the Czech Republic's energy transition goals, aiming to replace coal by 2033 and increase nuclear power's share of electricity production.