The world’s first APR-1000 reactor is to be built in the Czech Republic. The commitment to the Korean KHNP was made based on unrealistic price estimates.
Linz (OTS) – At the beginning of the year, the Czech government announced that it would now build up to four reactor blocks instead of one as previously planned. Without giving any specific figures, the argument for this expansion at the time was that a price reduction of 25 percent could be achieved. Now the cat has been let out of the bag and the result of the tender has been announced: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is to build first 2 reactors in Dukovany, later 2 in Temelín. The exact contract should be negotiated by March 2025 and the Dukovany reactors should be built by 2036.
The cost per reactor is said to be 200 billion crowns, the equivalent of around 8 billion euros – but this is only an estimate by the Czech government. The KHNP already spoke of CZK 220 billion in its press release.
“The Czech government’s cost estimate and schedule will not be nearly possible to adhere to,” explains Anna Weinbauer, deputy chairwoman of atomstopp_atomkraftfrei leben! “At current nuclear power plant construction sites in Finland and France, construction costs are exploding to between 11 and 19 billion euros and construction times are around 18 years. In addition, no APR-1000 reactor has been built anywhere in the world and the Koreans have no experience with building reactors in Europe and the higher safety regulations.
“
atomstopp_Managing Director Herbert Stoiber makes it clear how the project is doomed to failure from the outset: “It is important to remember that the first tender, which was then canceled, was carried out 10 years ago. Another explosive detail: The US company Westinghouse, which was excluded from the bidding process, wants to take legal action against the construction of this type of reactor by KHNP in Europe due to license violations.
“
Questions & Contact:
Herbert Stoiber, +43 681/10 42 92 51
Questions & Contact:
Herbert Stoiber, +43 681/10 42 92 51