The Czech Republic is investing 392 million dollars in the modernization of the Temelin and Dukovani nuclear power plants.

The Czech energy giant ČEZ has presented an ambitious investment plan for 2026, aimed at modernizing its nuclear power plants. A total of 392 million dollars will be invested in increasing efficiency, digitalization, and preparation for the long-term operation of the Temelin and Dukovani

Temelin: Transition to an American-origin control system and a longer fuel cycle

At Temelin NPP (two VVER-1000 units), 182 million dollars will be invested. The key activities include extending the fuel cycle (increasing the time between fuel changes) so both units should transition to a 16-month period of operation between overhauls (from the originally planned 12 months), which significantly increases total electricity production. The second key activity is replacing the control system with American-origin technology, a project that is expected to be completed by 2029.

Dukovany: Preparation for 60 years of operation

At the older Dukovany plant (four VVER-440 blocks), 210 million dollars will be invested. The focus is on revitalizing key equipment, which includes modernization of turbines and pumps to ensure the plant operates for at least 60 years; introduction of new welding methods, anti-corrosion protection, and the use of drones in inspections, as well as the so-called “generation shift,” i.e., transfer of knowledge to the younger workforce that should enable the plant to operate further into the future.

Additionally, the Czech Republic currently gets about one-third of its electricity from nuclear sources. In addition to modernizing existing capacities, the country plans to build new large blocks at Dukovany that are to be built by the Korean KHNP, as well as to introduce up to 3 gigawatts of capacity through small modular reactors (SMR) in the future.