One year from signing the Dukovany contract: preparations for construction on track 

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One year has passed since the signing of the contract between the state-owned company Elektrárna Dukovany II (EDU II) and South Korea’s Korea Hydro &amp; Nuclear Power (KHNP) for the construction of two new nuclear units at the Dukovany site. The project is now in its first, approximately four-year preparatory phase. This phase is primarily focused on preparing project and licensing documentation, obtaining all necessary permits, and ensuring the required infrastructure for the start of construction, which is planned for 2029.
“Over the past 12 months, we have, among other things, successfully completed comprehensive geotechnical surveys at the site and prepared the first phase of project documentation. Professional staff training has begun, and we are working intensively on licensing and permitting documentation. I would like to thank all colleagues as well as Czech and Korean partners for how smoothly the cooperation has been established. I believe we will continue to proceed just as efficiently,” said Petr Závodský, CEO of EDU II.
<h3>What has been accomplished since signing</h3>
Complete geotechnical surveys of the site: Physical drilling work was completed in just eight months. Geologists drilled hundreds of exploratory boreholes with a total length exceeding 13 km in rock. Subsequent laboratory testing of selected samples provided the data necessary for the safe design of the foundations of individual structures. The final report, including laboratory protocols and detailed geological descriptions, exceeded 6,000 pages with all appendices. Based on this data, a detailed 3D model of the site will be created. The contract, exceptional in both data volume and execution speed, was carried out by the Czech company ČEZ Energetické produkty.
Conceptual design: In line with the schedule, KHNP delivered the first stage of project documentation—the conceptual design—in April this year. This document describes the overall plant solution, including all modifications compared to the standard APR1000 design, resulting from the need to reflect Czech legislative requirements, site-specific conditions, and investor requirements defined in the contract. The design is currently undergoing review and will serve as a basis for preparing the next, more detailed stage of documentation.
Supply chain: As part of localization efforts, the first contracts with Czech companies have been concluded. ČEZ Energetické projekty carried out the geotechnical surveys at the site. The Plzeň-based company Doosan Škoda Power secured a contract for the supply and manufacture of turbogenerators. The engineering firm Energoprojekt Praha will provide expert consulting services for licensing and safety analyses and will also participate in preparing project documentation. KHNP has launched a registration system for potential suppliers and a partnership program for Czech and Korean companies aimed at strengthening cooperation and involvement in the project. Several working meetings focused on opportunities for Czech suppliers have already taken place.
Training and professional preparation: The APR1000 technology is new to the Czech Republic. As part of preparations for the future licensing process for Units 5 and 6, a multi-day seminar was held for experts from the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB) and the State Radiation Protection Institute (SÚRO), focusing on safety concepts, safety analyses, systems, and other key aspects of the design. This year also saw the first of four planned training sessions for nuclear fuel specialists. In addition to EDU II staff, participants included representatives from ÚJV Řež and companies Energoprojekt Praha and ČEZ.
Construction facilities: At peak activity, approximately 10,000 workers are expected to be present on the construction site of the two new units. Therefore, a preliminary mapping of existing accommodation capacities in the region was carried out this year to serve as a basis for identifying suitable housing solutions. Accommodation planning is being handled by the Korea Team in close coordination with local municipalities. At the same time, preparation of key transport infrastructure continues, particularly in connection with the transport of oversized and heavy components. Recent developments include the start of construction of bypasses around the villages of Zašovice and Slavětice, and a zoning decision for the bypass of the town of Velké Meziříčí. These measures will contribute to smoother project logistics and improved regional traffic.
<h3>What will still happen by the end of this year</h3>
The second half of the year will also bring several significant milestones. In the near future, a tender will be announced for the supply of cooling towers. This will involve a unique technology combining wet and dry cooling to minimize water consumption for plant cooling. Czech companies are expected to play a significant role in this contract. By the end of the year, the first tenders should also be launched for KHNP subcontract supplies in the area of auxiliary equipment and materials (AE&amp;M).
Work is also underway on preparing an archaeological survey of the site, a necessary step before construction begins. The assignment should be completed this year.
Systematic preparation of human resources will also continue—training for future plant operators, key specialist positions, is expected to begin in the autumn. Their training takes several years, making an early start essential.
The administrative building of EDU II will also be completed this year, providing the necessary facilities for project management directly at the site. One of its six floors will be made available to KHNP staff.
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