Czech government gives preliminary approval to nuclear plant plans

A plan to build a new nuclear power plant at the Dukovany site along the border of South Moravia is inching forward. The Czech government said it would provide guarantees to help the investor, a subsidiary of the state-run electricity producer CEZ, land cheaper financing for the project, but it does not want to cover the cost. CEZ, meanwhile, wants to guarantee returns on any investment. Construction isn’t likely to start for several years, with Reuters reporting that suppliers are expected to be chosen by 2024. Companies from the US, France, South Korea, Russia and China have shown interest. It’s anticipated that the new 1,200 MW nuclear station will replace the Dukovany site’s four 500 MW units, which will begin decommissioning in 2037.