PRAGUE, April 9 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic will extend the lifespan of the existing four units of the Dukovany nuclear power plant by 20 years, to 80 years, and keep them running until 2065-2067,
Czechs Extend Dukovany Nuclear Plant Operation to 2065-2067, Review Underway for Second Facility
Extension of Dukovany Nuclear Plant Lifespan and Future Plans
Dukovany Nuclear Plant Lifespan Extension
PRAGUE, April 9 (Reuters) - The Czech Republic will extend the lifespan of the existing four units of the Dukovany nuclear power plant by 20 years, to 80 years, and keep them running until 2065-2067, Industry and Trade Minister Karel Havlicek said on Thursday.
Plant Background and Capacity
Dukovany, owned by the majority state-owned power company CEZ, was opened in 1985-1987 and its Soviet-designed VVER reactors have capacity of just over 2,000 megawatts.
International Context and Energy Security
The decision follows some other nuclear plant lifespan extensions, especially in France, as countries look to secure sufficient supplies after the gradual end of fossil fuels.
Integration with New Units
The decision means that for an extended period the old units will be running alongside two new 1,000-megawatt units to be built at the Dukovany site under a contract with South Korea's KHNP by the late 2030s.
Review of Temelin Nuclear Plant and Future Developments
Temelin Nuclear Plant Lifespan Review
CEZ Chief Executive Daniel Benes said a similar analysis on extending the operating life was underway for CEZ's second nuclear power plant Temelin, which operates two 1,086-megawatt units.
Small Modular Reactors and International Partnerships
CEZ is also looking at building several new-generation small modular reactors, and has taken a minority stake in a unit of Britain's Rolls Royce developing the reactors.
Energy Production and Coal Phase-Out
The Czech Republic depends mostly on nuclear and coal plants for electricity production, with coal units expected to be phased out by around 2030, although the current government as been keen to keep some coal capacity running to ensure energy security.
(Reporting by Jan Lopatka, editing by Jason Hovet and Chizu Nomiyama )
