Temelín nuclear plant cleared to operate for up to 80 years

Both reactors at the Temelín nuclear power plant could remain in operation for up to 80 years from their commissioning, Czech Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlíček said on Tuesday.

That would allow the plant's two units to generate electricity until 2080 and 2082 respectively—20 years longer than previously expected.

Havlíček had already announced plans in April to extend the operational lifetime of Czech nuclear power plants to 80 years during a visit to the Dukovany nuclear power plant.

Extending the lifespan of both Temelín and Dukovany will require significant additional investment in modernization, the minister said.