New environment minister backs Temelín expansion plan

The new environment minister, Tomáš Podivínský, has backed plans to expand the Temelín nuclear power station. Speaking to reporters after a visit to the plant on Friday, Mr Podivísnký said the planned construction of two new blocks was important for the country’s energy stability. While critics say it would be highly unprofitable to go ahead with the plan under current electricity prices, the minister said the energy market was distorted by subsidies for renewable sources of energy.

The state-owned energy firm ČEZ is planning to pick the winning bid for the multi-billion project this autumn; however, it’s not clear whether the caretaker government will award the contract, or whether the process will be concluded after the next general election.