KHNP’s nuclear contract in Czech Republic suspended after legal action by EDF

Czech justice has suspended the signing of a major contract between Prague and South Korea’s KHNP, following a complaint by French group EDF challenging the fairness of the Dukovany nuclear project tender.

Share:

The signing of a strategic contract between the Czech Republic and South Korean company Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) for the construction of two new nuclear reactors at Dukovany has been suspended following a decision by the regional court in Brno. This interim measure follows legal action initiated by Électricité de France (EDF), which was eliminated during the selection process.

The French group had already brought its case before the Competition Authority, unsuccessfully, before turning to the courts to seek a review of the selection procedure. The court justified the temporary injunction by citing the need to preserve EDF’s opportunity to participate in a potential new tender should it prevail in court. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala acknowledged the court’s decision on social platform X, reiterating his confidence in the integrity of the state-led tender process.

EDF challenges transparency of the tender process

In a statement shared with AFP on May 6, EDF welcomed the court ruling, stating it “provides the necessary time to thoroughly assess any potential violation of its rights”. The French state-owned company also confirmed its determination to continue its legal campaign, without disclosing specific details of its initial bid.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was selected in summer 2024 to build two additional units at the Dukovany site, with an estimated cost of CZK200bn (approximately $8.61bn) per unit. Construction is scheduled to start in 2029, with the first reactor to be commissioned in 2036.

Reactions from other involved parties

Czech energy group ČEZ, majority-owned by the state and operator of the Temelín and Dukovany plants, defended the selection of KHNP. The company stated that the tender process was “fully transparent at every stage”, and called on EDF to release details of its bid to dispel any doubt.

In addition to EDF, US-based Westinghouse had also challenged the selection of the South Korean provider, accusing it of using some of its technologies without authorisation. However, this appeal was dropped after being dismissed by the relevant authorities. EDF, meanwhile, claimed its proposal offered a more favourable allocation to the local industrial sector, pledging to assign 60% of the work to Czech companies.

Towards a reconfiguration of the Czech energy mix

Nuclear currently accounts for around 40% of electricity generation in the Czech Republic. With the two new Dukovany units and the planned deployment of small modular reactors by 2050, that share could rise to 50%. This strategic shift comes as the country has significantly reduced its reliance on coal and phased out oil and gas imports from Russia since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.