The future of the Czech energy sector: 80 years of operation await the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant

An expected growth in electricity consumption across the economy, the development of digitalization, automation and artificial intelligence, and the electrification of parts of industry require the largest possible amount of a stable and safe low-emission electricity. That is why the Ministry of Industry and Trade is continuously evaluating and updating models of electricity consumption and production development and incorporating them into a new form of the long-term energy strategy. It now includes both the development of new emission-free sources and the extension of the operation of both Czech nuclear power plants for up to eighty years. This step reflects European and global trends and the development of the Czech economy.

"Extending the operation of Czech nuclear power plants to up to 80 years is a logical step. Of course, the prerequisite is maintaining all necessary safety standards. Electricity consumption will grow, our nuclear power plants are in perfect condition, so it is right to start investing now that will enable a long-term operation. Of course, nothing changes in that we are continuing the project for a new nuclear power plant in Dukovany and we will also build other nuclear and renewable sources. Czech households and Czech industry need a clean, affordable and stably supplied electricity," says Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček.

Modernization and benefits for Czech industry

Long-term operation is possible only because ČEZ and the Czech Republic have excellent technicians and nuclear experts who maintain and modernize nuclear facilities according to the latest global knowledge and recommendations from organizations such as WANO or IAEA. The role of the State Office FOR Nuclear Safety is key in this regard. ČEZ is already investing several billion Czech crowns annually in the modernization of nuclear sources. Thanks to these contracts, the Czech industry maintains and develops the top-notch know-how and strengthens its position.

"The plan to operate Dukovany and Temelín for 80 years is based on careful economic and technical analyses, which we have been working on for several years. It also means large investments and modernization programs. We are going in the same direction as other modern operators of nuclear power plants in the world. Of course, we will regularly evaluate both the technical condition of the power plants and the safety and economic conditions of the long-term operation" says ČEZ CEO Daniel Beneš.

Safety standards and long-term operation

The service life of nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic is not set by a fixed time limit. The key criterion is the condition of safety-critical components. Operation can only be extended if the operator demonstrates in regular cycles that all safety requirements are met, that the equipment is effectively managed, that it is in an adequate technical condition, that it is effectively managed and that adequate financial and human resources are available. Every single step and the submitted assessments will be thoroughly and profoundly examined" says Štěpán Kochánek, Chairman of the State Office for Nuclear Safety.

The individual units of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant were put into operation in 2000 and 2002. During the operation, ČEZ increased their electrical output from the original 1,962 MW to 2,172 MW thanks to extensive modernizations. The Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant also went through a similar process, with its total output increasing from 1,760 MW to the current 2,048 MW.

"For South Bohemia, Temelín is one of the symbols of the development of technical know-how and highly qualified employees. We support the plan to extend the operation. For us, it means security, jobs, orders for local businesses and a clear signal for new investments, which we expect here in the foreseeable future" adds the Governor of the South Bohemian Region Martin Kuba.

Eighty years of operation require further extensive investments and modernization programs. In Temelín, these include, for example, the planned replacement of generators, as well as other large units, the renewal of selected pipeline routes, fittings and electrical elements, and currently, for example, the replacement of part of the control and safety systems.