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Czech Republic signs $18.6 billion deal with South Korea to build Dukovany reactors

Slated to begin in 2029 with trial operations by 2036, the project will underpin Prague’s move toward 50% nuclear energy.

This undated file photo, provided by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., shows the Dukovany nuclear power plant, located around 170 kilometers southeast of Prague. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
FILE - A man fishes with the towering Dukovany nuclear power plant in the background, in Dukovany, Czech Republic, Sept. 27, 2011. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
This file photo, 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

  • On June 4, the Czech Supreme Administrative Court lifted a lower-court injunction, clearing the way for Elektrárna Dukovany II and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to sign the $18.6 billion contract.
  • The contract calls for two APR-1000 reactors at Dukovany, with construction starting in 2029 and trial operations targeted for 2036 and 2037.
  • It marks South Korea’s first overseas nuclear power plant contract since 2009, reinforcing Prague’s strategy to shift away from coal and ageing facilities.
  • KHNP will open an on-site construction office and has pledged to award at least 60% of project work to Czech suppliers.
  • The reactors are central to the Czech Republic’s target of generating 50% of its electricity from nuclear power and phasing out coal by 2033.