Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is accelerating preparations for the construction of the Dukovany Units 5 and 6 nuclear power project in the Czech Republic, reinforcing cooperation with government officials, local communities, and industrial partners as the project moves into its implementation phase.
KHNP announced that President and CEO Kim Hee-cheon visited the Czech Republic on June 17–18 to review progress on the Dukovany nuclear power project and strengthen collaboration with key stakeholders involved in the development.
During the visit, Kim participated in the second meeting of the Dukovany Project Implementation Review Council, held at the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade. The meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries, representatives of the project owner EDU II, and executives from major Korean nuclear industry companies.
The discussions focused on project execution, future milestones, and cooperation strategies aimed at ensuring the successful delivery of one of Europe’s largest energy infrastructure projects.
In addition to government-level meetings, KHNP emphasized the importance of local engagement and supply-chain readiness. Kim met with regional representatives from the Dukovany area and expressed appreciation for the community’s support of the project, pledging continued communication throughout the construction process.
The CEO also visited the production facilities of Doosan Skoda Power in Plzeň to assess manufacturing capabilities and preparedness for supplying key equipment. The Czech company signed a steam turbine supply agreement with Doosan Enerbility earlier this year and is expected to play an important role in the localization of the project’s supply chain.
Industry observers note that local participation and public acceptance have become critical success factors for large-scale nuclear projects in Europe. By strengthening partnerships with Czech businesses and communities, KHNP aims to enhance project stability while contributing to regional economic development.
The Dukovany project represents one of the most significant overseas nuclear ventures undertaken by South Korea. Beyond its economic value, the project is widely viewed as a strategic opportunity for Korea’s nuclear industry to expand its presence in the European market and demonstrate the competitiveness of Korean nuclear technology on the global stage.
According to KHNP, major preparatory work is progressing as scheduled, including engineering design activities, licensing procedures, site investigations, and equipment procurement. The company is targeting the start of full-scale construction in 2029.
“The Dukovany project is a landmark initiative that symbolizes the strategic partnership between Korea and the Czech Republic,” Kim said. “We will work closely with the Czech government, local communities, and industry partners to deliver one of the safest and most successful nuclear power projects in the world.”
As the project advances, KHNP expects the development to serve as a model for future international nuclear cooperation while further strengthening ties between the two countries in the energy sector.
