During a recent conference on Effective Energy, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, from the ODS party, unveiled ambitious plans for the Czech Republic to emerge as a hub for new nuclear technologies. Fiala underscored the importance of nuclear energy as the backbone of the country’s domestic energy sector, citing the Czech Republic’s extensive experience and tradition in the field.

Expressing the nation’s ambition, Fiala stated, “We have the ambition to become one of the centers of new nuclear technologies in the world.” Rather than being solely dependent on foreign suppliers, Fiala emphasized the need for the Czech Republic to leverage its years of expertise and know-how in nuclear energy operations.

The Prime Minister highlighted the favorable support for nuclear energy within the country, both from experts and the general public—an endorsement that differs from attitudes observed in other parts of Europe. According to the government’s long-term plans, nuclear energy is slated to contribute up to half of the domestic electricity production by 2050.

Fiala drew attention to the changing attitudes towards nuclear energy in Europe, referencing the existence of an “atomic alliance” comprising 14 European countries, including the Czech Republic.

As part of its nuclear energy development strategy, the Czech Republic is in the process of planning a new nuclear block in Dukovany. Leading energy group ČEZ is organizing the tender, and notable companies such as EDF, Westinghouse, and KHNP have submitted non-binding offers for three additional reactors. The government is expected to finalize the acceptance of individual offers by the end of February, with the new block anticipated to be operational by 2036.

In addition to traditional reactors, the Czech government is exploring the incorporation of new technologies, specifically small and medium modular reactors. The initial reactor of this kind is slated for construction in the first half of the 2030s in the broader vicinity of the Temelín nuclear power plant. Simultaneously, plans are underway for the construction of a deep storage facility dedicated to radioactive waste. Fiala’s vision positions the Czech Republic at the forefront of nuclear innovation, marking a strategic move towards securing the nation’s energy future.

Article by Prague Forum