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A view of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic. / Source: Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power

South Korea has won its first-ever nuclear power plant contract in Europe, securing a foothold in the region’s competitive energy market with the Czech Republic’s Dukovany project—worth an estimated 26 trillion won. The deal also positions Korea as a top contender for future projects, including the planned expansion at the Temelín site.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on April 30, the Czech government approved the project’s budget during a cabinet meeting and officially scheduled the signing of the final contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) for May 7. “We welcome the Czech government’s announcement of the official signing date,” said a ministry official. “Both sides are working closely to prepare for a successful signing ceremony.”

This marks Korea’s first nuclear export to Europe and its first major overseas nuclear deal since the Barakah project in the United Arab Emirates in 2009. The Czech Republic is considered a strategic entry point into the European nuclear market, often described as the birthplace of commercial nuclear power and home to traditional nuclear giants.

Once the contract is signed, KHNP will build Units 5 and 6 at the Dukovany site, using its APR1000 reactor design. Construction is set to begin in 2029 with operations expected to commence in 2036. If the Czech government moves forward with the Temelín 3 and 4 units, KHNP will also be granted priority negotiation rights for that project.

KHNP has led the bid through its “Team Korea” consortium, which includes Korea Electric Power Technology, KEPCO KPS, Doosan Enerbility, and Daewoo E&C. Although the company faced challenges—including objections from competitors Westinghouse and France’s EDF to the Czech competition authority—the complaints were ultimately dismissed. Additionally, KHNP and Westinghouse agreed to end a separate intellectual property dispute and pledged to cooperate in future markets.