South Korea to Compete for Temelin Reactor Project
The Czech Republic plans to evaluate multiple international price proposals for two new reactors by 2027.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Nuclear
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South Korea is positioning itself to bid for the construction of two additional nuclear reactors at the Temelin power plant in the Czech Republic. The Czech government plans to review competing price proposals from French and American firms before making a final decision in 2027.
Why it matters
The Czech Republic seeks to leverage competitive international bidding to secure the best terms for its nuclear expansion. South Korea aims to build on its existing Dukovany contract by strengthening its supplier network within the region.
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed 34 memorandums of understanding with Czech suppliers to bolster its bid for the two-reactor Temelin project. The company has also proposed acquiring a 5% to 10% stake in Westinghouse to solidify its market position.
The players
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
This is a South Korean state-owned utility that operates the country's nuclear fleet and pursues international reactor construction contracts.
Westinghouse
This is a global nuclear power company based in the United States that serves as a technology provider and subcontractor in international projects.
EDF
Electricité de France is a state-owned French utility company and major player in the global nuclear energy market.
The details
Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power is currently leveraging the workforce and supply chain established through the Dukovany nuclear project to compete for the Temelin contract. While the company holds a nonbinding option for the new site, the Czech Republic remains committed to allowing French and American competitors to submit alternative proposals.
Timeline
January 2026: Prague signaled its intention to accept multiple international price proposals.
September 2026: South Korea disclosed its intent to acquire a stake in Westinghouse.
October 14, 2026: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power signed 34 memorandums with Czech suppliers.
2027: The Czech Republic expects to decide on the construction of the Temelin reactors.
The Big Picture
The push for the Temelin expansion follows the competitive procurement precedent established by the Dukovany nuclear project. This strategy marks a clear shift toward multi-vendor evaluation in European nuclear infrastructure development.
The success of these construction bids could influence future regional energy costs and national energy security across Central Europe. Securing these contracts impacts the long-term feasibility of decarbonization goals and the specific technological standards of the regional power grid.
The takeaway
The Czech Republic's decision to maintain an open bidding process for its nuclear reactors reflects a commitment to competitive pricing in energy infrastructure. Readers should note that large-scale energy projects often require years of negotiation before final project approval.
Further reading
For broader context on international energy infrastructure, explore Nuclear updates.
Source note: This article includes information reported by UPI.
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