Czech Republic - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Current operations
The Czech Republic has six operable VVER reactors. In June 2020 Czech energy group ČEZ stated that it expected to invest about $2.3 billion over the next 27 years to extend the operating lifetimes of the four VVER-440 reactors at Dukovany by a further 20 years to a total of 60, which would see the last unit retire in 2047.
Table Cz.1 Nuclear capacity status (as of 1 October 2026)
| Operable reactors | Operable reactors net capacity (MWe) | Operable reactors gross capacity (MWe) | Reactors under construction | Reactors under construction gross capacity (MWe) | Carbon dioxide emissions avoided (cf. coal) (MtCO2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3972 | 4216 | 0 | - | 778 |
Nuclear policy and outlook
The January 2025 National Energy and Climate Plan states that the share of generation provided by nuclear should rise to 68% by 2040 and then falling to 46% by 2050. Based on the government’s 'With Additional Measures' scenario this would be equivalent to the output of around 8 GWe of nuclear capacity.
The Czech government selected KHNP as its preferred bidder in July 2024 for two APR-1000 units at Dukovany. According to KHNP they would be eligible to sign additional contracts for the two Dukovany units if the Czech government decides within three years to proceed with Temelín units 3&4. TheAn EPC contract for two APR1000 units at Dukovany was signed in June 2025.
The government’s Economic Strategy, published in 2026, set the target of starting construction of two units at Dukovany by 2029. It also committed to continuing the preparation of potential new nuclear projects at the Temelín site, and to prepare conditions for the construction of the country's first small modular reactor.
ČEZ has acquired a 20% stake in the UK’s Rolls-Royce SMR, and is looking to build Rolls-Royce SMR’s 498 MWe units in the Czech Republic. The first unit is planned to be completed at the Temelín site by 2035. A further five units would be built in the Czech Republic by 2050. In July 2026 an early works agreement was signed by ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR identifying Tušimice and Dětmarovice as additional sites.
Table Cz.2 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2146 | 2044 | - | 2598 | 3894 | 996 | - | - | 11,678 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
The Czech Republic has moved its principal large reactor project at Dukovany beyond technology selection and tendering into binding engineering, procurement and construction contracts for two units. Site investigations, licensing preparation and supply chain contracting are underway. Further clarity is required regarding the construction of additional large units at Temelín, and SMRs.
| Country Category | Expander |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Moderate-High Nuclear is firmly embedded in energy security, coal replacement and decarbonization policy. Two large reactors are contracted and further large reactors and SMRs form part of the longer-term strategy. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | High The Czech Republic has an experienced regulator, an established utility and operator, a substantial domestic nuclear sector, functioning interim spent fuel arrangements and a state organization responsible for final waste disposal. |
| Programme & Project Development Readiness | Moderate-High The Dukovany project has: completed environmental assessment; a signed two-unit EPC contract; a state-controlled project company; an established project timetable; and active Czech and Korean supply chain contracts. The plans for long-term operation for the existing reactors are progressing. The Rolls-Royce SMR pathway is supported through ČEZ’s role as a strategic shareholder. |
| Target Achievability | Moderate Delivery of the contracted Dukovany units is credible, with construction due to start by 2029 and trial operation of the first unit by end-2036. But the 2040 ambition of about 8000 MWe is not fully covered by contracted projects: Temelín 3&4 are undecided and the first SMR is planned only for 2035. |