SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Brussels investigates €30bn public loan for two reactors in Czechia

The European Commission opens an in-depth investigation into Prague's public funding of a major nuclear project, which could reach €30bn ($32.88bn), with guaranteed revenues over forty years.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99€/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The European Commission has announced the opening of an investigation to determine whether the Czech government’s proposed public support for the construction of two new nuclear reactors complies with European Union state aid rules. The project, planned at the Dukovany site, is part of Prague’s energy strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

A state loan and guaranteed electricity price for 40 years

The Czech government is planning a subsidised loan ranging from €23bn to €30bn ($25.48bn to $32.88bn) to fully cover the construction costs of the two reactors. In parallel, a “contract for difference” (CFD) mechanism would guarantee a minimum price for electricity produced by the facilities over a 40-year period.

This model aims to secure revenues for the project consortium EDU II, 80% owned by the Czech state and 20% by the energy group ČEZ, the country’s sole nuclear operator. The construction contract has been awarded to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), with a contract value of €16bn ($17.52bn).

A strategic decision in a regional energy context

The European Commission acknowledged that, based on a preliminary assessment, the project appears to meet an identified economic need. However, it stated that it “has doubts about the full compliance of the state aid measures” and wants to assess the proportionality and relevance of the support package.

Czech authorities plan to begin construction in 2029, with commissioning of the first reactor scheduled for 2036. It is one of the largest energy investments in the country’s history. Czechia, home to 10.9 million people, is moving away from coal while reinforcing its independence from Russian energy imports.

Closer scrutiny of public support mechanisms

The CFD mechanism, increasingly used to support investment in major energy infrastructure, remains under close watch by Brussels, which seeks to prevent market distortion within the internal energy market. The Czech case may become a benchmark for how EU member states structure public support for civil nuclear development.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Pivot Energy secures $225mn to develop 60 new community solar projects
Equinor contests €60mn fine imposed for maintenance failure
Niger signs strategic deal with Russia to revive uranium mining
Drone strike cuts electricity in Khartoum and Port Sudan, two rescuers killed
Microsoft signs two new wind power purchase agreements with Iberdrola
Japan opens public funding for nuclear projects to support reactor restarts
The Japanese government plans to fund up to 30% of loans required for nuclear projects, aiming to accelerate reactor restarts and double the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix by 2040.
Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor
French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
EDF raises cost estimate for six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion
French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
Radiant raises $300mn to industrialise its micro nuclear reactors in the United States
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum accelerates licensing process for its SOLO™ reactor with the NRC
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
Clinton and Dresden nuclear reactors granted 20-year licence extensions
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
Orano and the University of Pau launch EUR2.3mn programme to explore new uranium deposits
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
X-energy secures Doosan forgings for its SMR reactors
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Samsung Heavy Industries secures certification for floating nuclear platform with SMART100
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
India unveils draft law to open its nuclear sector to private investment
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T expands nuclear projects in Europe with Synthos Green Energy
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
nT-Tao develops control method to stabilise power delivery in fusion systems
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
India opens nuclear sector to private companies with landmark bill
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura launches DOE authorisation process for its MSR-1 reactor in Texas
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norway consults 22 municipalities about hosting nuclear waste facilities
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Flamanville EPR reactor reaches 100% nuclear power after 12-year delay
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR clears regulatory milestone in the United Kingdom
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor has passed a key regulatory hurdle in the United Kingdom, opening the door to potential commercial deployment, despite no current plans for construction.
Natura acquires Shepherd Power and targets several gigawatts of nuclear reactors by 2032
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China confirms 2026 for Linglong One, the world’s first land-based SMR
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99€/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.