Doosan Enerbility is expanding its partnership with the Czech Republic in nuclear equipment supply, building on its relationship established through the acquisition of Skoda Power in 2009. Following a contract for steam turbine supply to the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant, the company is assessing the manufacturing capabilities of local firms to explore further collaboration. The aim is to establish a supply chain for the Dukovany Units 5 and 6 and prepare for additional projects, including Temelin Units 3 and 4.
From November 2 to 5, Doosan Enerbility visited the headquarters of SkodaJS in Plzen, Czech Republic, to evaluate the technical capabilities of local nuclear equipment companies and discuss potential cooperation.
The visit focused on verifying the technical and quality capabilities of potential partner companies. Doosan Enerbility explained the technical requirements and supplier evaluation procedures for safety and non-safety grade equipment to four companies: SkodaJS, Miko, Baest, and Vitkovice. Among these, Vitkovice, Baest, and Miko were assessed for their capabilities in producing non-safety grade equipment and their experience in nuclear projects.
For SkodaJS, a preliminary capability assessment was conducted in project management, design, manufacturing, and quality. The team visited the large equipment factory and control rod drive mechanism (CRDM) plant to review production facilities and explore the potential for technical collaboration on certain items, such as reactor internals. SkodaJS is a nuclear equipment company affiliated with CEZ Group and operates separately from Doosan's local subsidiary, Doosan Skoda Power.
Doosan Enerbility also met with executives from EDU II, the contracting authority for the Dukovany project, and CEZ Group to discuss collaboration with local companies. Follow-up technical discussions with SkodaJS are planned for early next year, with additional evaluations of potential cooperation items. The specifics of collaboration will be determined through technical and quality verification processes.
In the non-safety grade equipment sector, the company is considering the participation of Czech firms in bidding. Decisions will be based on evaluation criteria related to technology, quality, and pricing, which apply to both domestic and international suppliers.
Doosan Enerbility plans to maintain a core supply chain centered on domestic partners while also collaborating with Czech companies to mitigate risks associated with local regulations and permitting delays.
This push for collaboration is rooted in the business foundation established in the Czech Republic since 2009, when Doosan Heavy Industries acquired Skoda Power, securing steam turbine technology. In February 2015, then-Czech Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka visited Doosan's Changwon plant to meet with executives and tour production facilities, including forging, turbine, and nuclear plants.
As new nuclear projects in the Czech Republic are on the horizon, collaboration with local firms has been expanded. In May 2024, during the 'Doosan Partnership Day' held in Prague, Doosan Enerbility signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SkodaJS, Miko, and Vitkovice for the supply of primary and auxiliary equipment for nuclear projects.
In September of the same year, an MOU was signed at Doosan Skoda Power for a comprehensive cooperation agreement on the entire nuclear cycle between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Doosan Enerbility, and Doosan Skoda Power for the supply of steam turbines to the Czech nuclear power plants. Doosan Enerbility also announced plans for a 200 billion won investment and technology transfer to Doosan Skoda Power.
Last year, the company expanded its local business base and achieved contract successes. In February, Doosan Skoda Power became the first power equipment company to be listed on the Prague Stock Exchange, raising 151.6 billion won, which will be used for production facility improvements and research and development. In March, Czech President Petr Pavel visited Doosan Skoda Power to inspect the steam turbine production facilities.
In September, Doosan Enerbility secured a contract from CEZ Group for the replacement of generators at the Temelin Nuclear Power Plant Units 1 and 2, valued at over 300 billion won, which includes generator supply and a 15-year long-term service agreement. This project was won through international competitive bidding and marks the first achievement since Doosan Enerbility announced its intention to transfer generator technology to the Czech Republic.
Contracts for the new Dukovany nuclear project have also continued. In December of last year, Doosan Enerbility signed a contract worth 5.6 trillion won for the supply of primary equipment, turbines, and generators for Dukovany Units 5 and 6 with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. In February of this year, a contract worth approximately 320 billion won for the supply of steam turbines and turbine control systems was signed with Doosan Skoda Power.
A representative from Doosan Enerbility stated, "This visit was a meaningful opportunity to directly verify the technical capabilities of Czech companies and explore collaboration possibilities. We aim to strengthen cooperation with domestic partners and work with Czech firms that have strengths in responding to local regulations to achieve both safety and timely completion."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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