Reports · Oct 17, 2026
Czechia Completes Nuclear Power Expansion Contract With Westinghouse for Two AP1000 Reactors at Dukovany Site
Czechia's state energy company ČEZ signed a final investment contract with Westinghouse Electric Company on 2 September 2026 for the construction of two AP1000 nuclear reactors at the Dukovany site in South Moravia. The contract, valued at CZK 420 billion (approximately EUR 17.5 billion), marks the largest infrastructure investment in Czech history and will add 2,200 MW of nuclear capacity, replacing coal generation scheduled for retirement by 2033.
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Key takeaways
- Two AP1000 reactors contracted at Dukovany site, adding 2,200 MW of capacity.
- Contract value approximately EUR 17.5 billion — largest infrastructure investment in Czech history.
- Coal generation at Prunéřov and Tušimice scheduled for retirement by 2033 will be replaced.
- US Export-Import Bank providing partial loan guarantee for the project.
- First concrete planned for 2029, commercial operation targeted for 2038.
Procurement History
The Dukovany tender was first issued in 2020 with five potential suppliers. Rosatom was excluded by government decree following the 2021 Vrbětice ammunition depot explosion attributed to Russian intelligence operatives. CGN was subsequently removed on a security review conducted by BIS, the Czech security service, which raised concerns about Chinese state ownership. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and EdF were eliminated on cost and financing grounds, leaving Westinghouse as the sole qualified bidder for final negotiations.
Financing Structure
The project will be financed through a combination of ČEZ equity, Czech state guaranteed bonds and a partial US Export-Import Bank loan guarantee worth up to USD 4 billion. The UK government has separately offered an export finance facility, reflecting British interest in participating in the supply chain. South Korean component manufacturers have also been offered secondary supply contracts.
Regional Significance
Poland is currently conducting its own nuclear procurement process with Westinghouse as a frontrunner for the first of its planned six reactors, while Romania is expanding its CANDU reactor programme at Cernavodă with Canadian and US support. Slovakia is separately considering a third unit at Mochovce. The Dukovany contract provides Western suppliers with a significant reference project in the region and is likely to streamline subsequent Central European negotiations.
Sources
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