President Pavel: Delaying Dukovany expansion could leave Czechia short of energy

Delaying or even freezing the construction of two new units at the Dukovany nuclear power plant would not only cost the state billions of crowns in damages, but could also lead to a shortage of electricity in the Czech Republic, President Petr Pavel said at the annual reVision conference which focusses on improving the business environment. He warned that unless sufficient electricity is provided at affordable prices, further economic growth will not be possible. The tender for the construction of the new units at Dukovany was awarded to the Korean company KHNP, and the French company EDF, which made an unsuccessful bid, has challenged the decision. In relation to nuclear energy, Pavel also expressed support for the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and significant Czech involvement in their construction. According to the head of state, the Czech Republic has know-how in nuclear energy and engineering that can be used for small modular reactors throughout Europe. This could  boost the Czech economy in the coming decades, Pavel said.