Government to play greater role in nuclear power plant tender

In an appearance on Czech TV on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Barták made clear the government will soon take a greater and more active role in choosing a firm to complete the country’s south Bohemian nuclear power plant Temelin, with the option of building an additional unit in Dukovany in Moravia. Three firms have officially expressed an interest but Mr Barták said ten bids had been put forward. Bid assessment will last until January 1. The Czech energy giant ČEZ has been reluctant to make public the names of the bidders, saying such a move would jeopardise the process. The three to officially confirm participation are Russia’s Atomstroyeksport - in a consortium with Czech company Škoda JS and Russia’s Gidropress. The other two are Areva of France, and the US firm Westinghouse.

Author: Jan Velinger