KHNP presented in the Chamber of Deputies a plan for the localisation of Czech industry during the completion of the Dukovany NPP

KHNP submitted to the Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Lukáš Vlček, and members of the Economic Committee of the Chamber of Deputies an initial plan for the involvement of Czech companies in the completion of the new units of the Dukovany NPP. The event took place at the end of October in the Chamber of Deputies with the participation of the leaders of industry associations and the largest Czech suppliers to the nuclear power industry.

Representatives of four key Czech nuclear power supply companies spoke at the meeting, providing information on the current stage of negotiations between them and KHNP.

One of the speakers was Ivo Tichý, Executive Director of ZAT. According to his words, the interest in the Czech control system from the preferred supplier is still at the level of identifying input information. ZAT has signed a general strategic cooperation agreement with KHNP and its supplier Doosan Enerbility, which sets out the basic scope of possible deliveries.

"We have the competence, know-how and references to be able to supply control and management systems for the fifth unit of the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant in a minimum volume of about 65 percent of the order. However, it is necessary to start preparing for this, to secure technical and technological resources, to start working on certification, etc. We therefore need to know the more detailed specification as soon as possible. It is almost necessary that before the EPC contract is signed, future contracts are signed with at least the largest Czech contractors," says Ivo Tichý.

Jan Rafaj, President of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, agrees. Jan Rafaj says "For me, this is a project of the century also in terms of the involvement of Czech industry. There are mechanisms that allow us to address Czech interests already in the EPC contract." According to him, we live in a world where international companies compete with each other with various subsidies from parent companies and states. "The Czech Republic must protect our industry against hidden instruments that can be dangerous and disadvantage Czech companies. The government and CEZ must find mechanisms that go to the very edge of the possibilities of EU conditions to ensure support for Czech business," Rafaj added.

The same opinion is shared by Minister Lukáš Vlček and the MPs involved. The next meeting to determine the shift in cooperation between KHNP and Czech companies will be held in February 2025.