The signing of the main contract for the new nuclear power plant construction in the Czech Republic has been postponed due to a 'temporary injunction' application by Électricité de France (EDF), but some government officials predict that this matter will positively affect the contract for the Temelin nuclear power plant's second unit, which will follow the Dukovany nuclear power plant's second unit.
Conditions have been established for Korea Team to jointly enter with the United States, a strong competitor in the overseas nuclear plant bidding, under the name 'Team Chorus (KOR+US),' amid declining local public opinion regarding another competitor, France EDF, indicating that Korea’s position will become more solid.
A government source recently told ChosunBiz in a currency that 'the Czech government sincerely apologized for the delay in signing the main nuclear construction contract. They indicated a firm response by saying they would seek damages from EDF.' The source also noted that 'while it is regrettable that the contract has been postponed, the relationship between Korea and the Czech Republic has grown particularly close while discussing follow-up measures. This will be a significant asset for us in progressing upcoming nuclear projects.'
In the nuclear industry, the background to EDF's application for a temporary injunction against the main contract is being cited as a sense of crisis that they could lose the European nuclear market to Team Chorus.
When Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and the U.S. Westinghouse were in dispute over nuclear technology intellectual property rights, they believed they could maintain their advantage in the European market. However, after the disagreement between the two corporations ended, they agreed to cooperate, leading to 'Team Chorus' becoming a giant in the global nuclear market.
In this situation, the application for a temporary injunction is seen as an action that ultimately undermines the contracts they have missed, which analysts believe will narrow their position. The Czech government publicly expressed its displeasure over EDF’s application for a temporary injunction against the main contract between Korea and the Czech Republic, serving as evidence of this.
From the Czech government's perspective, this failure to secure the nuclear contract is a 'diplomatic embarrassment.' Prime Minister Petr Fiala had prepared for the signing ceremony of the main nuclear contract with 'summit-level protocol,' but it ultimately fell through, leaving the Korean government and National Assembly delegation with nothing to show for it.
Daniel Beneš, CEO of Czech Energy Company (CEZ), remarked in a press conference on the 7th (local time) that 'it seems EDF wants to occupy the entire European region' and that 'it appears they are lobbying to prevent outside companies from building nuclear plants in Europe,' reflecting a sense of responsibility towards this diplomatic embarrassment.
The Korean government remains calm. Internally, there is an assessment that 'it would have been better if the main contract had been signed as originally planned, but the current situation is not all bad.' Minister Ahn Duk-geun said during a meeting with a press delegation in the Czech Republic that 'this incident may serve as an opportunity for a turnaround,' adding, 'Although something surprising happened, we are trying to turn it into a good opportunity.'
Within the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, there are evaluations that the Czech trip may create favorable conditions not only for the delayed construction project of the Dukovany nuclear power plant's second unit but also for the contract for the Temelin nuclear power plant's second unit (units 3 and 4) to proceed smoothly. Korea Team was selected as a preferred negotiator for the construction projects of both the Dukovany nuclear power plant's second unit and the Temelin nuclear power plant's second unit in July of last year.
There are also observations that the Czech Republic could serve as a foothold to accelerate entry into the European market. If local assets such as 'Doosan Škoda Power Turbine' are well utilized, it could become a base camp in the European market. Currently, in addition to the Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, Italy, Slovenia, and Slovakia are reportedly showing interest in nuclear plant construction.
Minister Ahn noted, 'This project is not just a one-off; it shows our potential in the entire global nuclear industry.' He added, 'It will not be easy to break into Europe, which is regarded as France’s backyard and a monopoly market, but I believe it is most important for Korea to establish itself as 'a very reliable partner' in the global market.'