Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has launched a Negotiation Response Task Force (TF) for its new nuclear power plant project the Czech Republic. The TF comprises over 60 experts from KHNP and its partner companies, covering various fields such as management, design, projects, and construction. This comes after KHNP was selected as the preferred bidder for the Czech Republic’s new nuclear power plant construction project, which has a total project cost of $17.3bn.
The TF members plan to hold a kick-off meeting with the Czech client soon to discuss the schedule and strategies for contract negotiations. Earlier, KHNP established a “Czech Construction Preparation Centre” to prepare for the period after the contract is signed. This organisation, consisting of 14 members, was created in advance to proactively prepare for tasks that must begin immediately upon contract signing. KHNP is preparing to finalise the contract with the Czech government and the client, aiming for completion in March next year.
KHNP President Hwang Joo-ho recently visited the Czech Republic to meet with key figures. President Hwang, accompanied by special envoys Sung Tae-yoon, Director of the Presidential Office’s Policy Office and Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy Ahn Deok-geun. They met with Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Minister of Trade, Industry & Energy Jozef Síkela. Hwang had talks with Daniel Beneš, CEO of Czech state-owned power company, ČEZ,as well as discussions with Doosan Skoda Power and the Czech Electric Power Industry Association (CPIA).
South Korea’s Second Vice Industry Minister Choe Nam-ho pledged support for the Czech project during a meeting with senior officials from finance, foreign and science ministries, as well as state-run banks and the trade promotion agency. “All ministries and organisations should make joint efforts under the spirit of Team Korea to restore the country’s nuclear energy industry and foster the sector as an export engine,” Choe said.
During the meeting, the government said it will collaborate closely with businesses to complete the remaining negotiations with the Czech Republic, aiming for mutually beneficial results. The government added it plans to establish a hotline to facilitate discussions with the private sector on related issues.
South Korea will also utilise international events, including the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, to showcase the country’s competitiveness in the nuclear energy industry and boost related exports. There are plans to develop a long-term road map for the nuclear energy industry by the end of this year, while expanding comprehensive cooperation with key partners, including the United States, to discuss joint nuclear projects, supply chain issues and small modular reactors.
