KHNP will now negotiate with Czech officials and majority state-owned utility CEZ AS on contract terms for two reactors at the nation’s Dukovany complex, with a potential option for another two at the Temelin facility, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said Wednesday (Bloomberg). The successful export of a Korean nuclear reactor is a landmark achievement, marking the first such contract since the 2009 agreement for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

KHNP is cooperating with Doosan Enerbility, Daewoo E&C and several other state-run energy firms, as well as multiple Czech companies. “We highly appreciate the Czech Republic for siding with Korea in the latest project,” Sung said.

The state-run nuclear power plant operator plans to finalize the contract by March next year. Last week, South Korean President Yoon asked Czech President Petr Pavel to allow Korean firms to participate in the nuclear plant project, during their summit held on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, D.C.

“With advanced technology, Korea gained the upper hand over the French firm by offering a lower price and high quality,” a ranking government official said (The Korea Times).

Construction of the first reactor is expected to start in 2029 and it should go into trial operation in 2036 (PSE).

Sources: Bloomberg, The Korea Times, PSE