The Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (UOHS) announced Wednesday it had temporarily blocked the government from signing a nuclear deal with KHNP as it investigates appeals from U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric Co. and French state-owned utility EDF.
KHNP secured preferred bidder status in July for the Dukovany nuclear power plant project, valued at around 24 trillion won (US$17.3 billion).
South Korea’s industry ministry described the hold as a "standard procedure," adding that it anticipates no impact on the final contract signing, targeted for March 2024.
"This is merely part of the process following competitors’ appeals and does not indicate the direction of the final decision," a ministry official said.
Czech President Petr Pavel expressed optimism about the deal during a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Oct. 19, stating, "I am optimistic about KHNP's final contract award and will work together to make this project a new foundation for bilateral relations."
Despite the temporary hold, a 60-member delegation from Czech nuclear power authorities is scheduled to visit South Korea in November to proceed with negotiations.
The delegation, including representatives from Czech electricity producer CEZ and its subsidiary EDU II, plans to discuss detailed terms including project costs with KHNP.
During their visit, the Czech delegation will inspect the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province, and Doosan Enerbility Co.'s manufacturing facility in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, where they will examine the production capabilities of key components such as reactors and turbines.
Industry officials interpret this large-scale delegation visit as a strong indication of Czech authorities' commitment to finalizing the contract by March.
