The eight cooling towers of the Dukovany nuclear plant now overlook early construction work for two additional reactors, as the Czech Republic moves forward with an ambitious plan to significantly expand its nuclear capacity.

Geological teams are drilling 140 metres below ground to assess whether the site can support a $19 billion project that aims to at least double the country's nuclear power generation and further solidify its status as one of Europe's most nuclear-reliant nations.

South Korea's KHNP won the bid over France's EDF to build a new plant featuring two reactors, each producing more than 1,000 megawatts. Once operational in the late 2030s, they will join Dukovany's four existing 512-MW units, which date back to the 1980s.

The agreement with KHNP also gives the Czech Republic the option to add two more reactors at its other nuclear facility in Temelín, which currently operates two 1,000-MW units. After that, the country plans to develop small modular reactors (SMRs).

"Nuclear will likely supply 50% to 60% of our electricity around 2050, possibly even more," said Petr Závodský, head of the Dukovany expansion project, in an interview with The Associated Press.

According to Závodský, expanding nuclear energy is essential for phasing out fossil fuels, ensuring stable and affordable power, meeting emissions targets, and supporting rising electricity needs from data centres and electric vehicles.

A nuclear comeback across Europe

The Czech programme coincides with a renewed European interest in nuclear power driven by rising energy demand and increasing pressure to cut carbon emissions. Although nuclear energy produces radioactive waste, it emits no greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

The European Union has labelled nuclear energy as environmentally sustainable under its green investment framework, opening pathways to funding. This decision benefits nuclear-heavy states like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and France.

Several countries are reconsidering nuclear policies: Belgium and Sweden have reversed plans to phase out nuclear power, while Denmark and Italy are reassessing their bans. Poland is preparing to join 12 other pro-nuclear EU nations after signing a deal with US-based Westinghouse to build three reactors. In 2024, nuclear energy accounted for 24% of the EU's electricity.

Britain is also pursuing nuclear growth, signing a cooperation agreement with the US and committing £14.2 billion ($19 billion) to build Sizewell C, its first new reactor since 1995.

Czech utility CEZ, 70% state-owned, has formed a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR to develop small modular reactors.

Financing the project

The Dukovany expansion is expected to cost more than $19 billion. The Czech government plans to acquire an 80% stake in the new plant and secure a long-term loan for its construction, which CEZ will repay over 30 years. The state will also guarantee stable electricity revenue for 40 years. EU approval is anticipated, as nuclear energy supports Europe's goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

"Without new nuclear units, we simply cannot meet our needs," Závodský said. "Right now, 40% of our power comes from nuclear and another 40% from coal. The coal must be replaced."

Financial uncertainty has previously stalled expansion efforts. In 2014, CEZ cancelled a Temelín reactor tender after the government refused to guarantee financing.

Russia's Rosatom and China's CNG were excluded from the current Dukovany tender due to security concerns following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The Czech Republic has also terminated its reliance on Russian nuclear fuel by signing supply deals with Westinghouse and France's Framatome. The KHNP contract guarantees fuel for 10 years.

Opposition and concerns

Despite strong domestic support for nuclear power, critics remain both inside and outside the country.

Environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth argue the project is too expensive and say funds would be better spent on improving energy efficiency. The Czech Republic also still lacks a permanent storage facility for spent nuclear fuel.

Both the Dukovany and Temelín plants sit near Austria's border. Austria, which abandoned nuclear power after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, has long opposed Czech nuclear projects. A major dispute in 2000 over the Temelín plant led to a political standoff and weeks of blocked border crossings.

Austria continues to be the EU's most anti-nuclear nation, and its lower house of parliament has already rejected the Czech plan for small modular reactors.

Czech / Czech Republic / nuclear / Nuclear Energy / nuclear actions / Europe energy supply