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Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has secured its first overseas nuclear power plant export in 16 years, marking a major breakthrough in its push to expand into the global market with the Czech Republic as a strategic foothold.

On May 1, industry sources confirmed that KHNP was selected as the final contractor for the Dukovany nuclear power plant expansion project in the Czech Republic. The deal, valued at approximately 26 trillion won (around $19 billion), is seen as a major milestone—KHNP’s first successful export since winning the Barakah nuclear project in the United Arab Emirates in 2009.

The Czech government approved the budget for the new Dukovany units during a cabinet meeting on April 30 and announced plans to sign a formal contract with KHNP on May 7. KHNP and EDU II, a subsidiary of Czech power utility CEZ, are expected to finalize the deal in Prague with the presence of officials from both governments.

Under the contract, KHNP will build Units 5 and 6 at the Dukovany plant, which currently operates four reactors. The Korean firm is also expected to gain priority negotiation rights for potential future units 3 and 4 at the Temelín plant, another nuclear site in the Czech Republic.

This nuclear project is considered a pillar of the Czech government’s long-term energy strategy. The country is working to reduce its reliance on Russian energy and fossil fuels, aiming to raise the share of nuclear power in its electricity generation mix from 40.7% to 50% by 2050. The Dukovany expansion is central to this shift.

KHNP was initially selected as the preferred bidder last July, and a final contract had been expected by March. However, delays arose due to political developments in both South Korea and the Czech Republic, including the upcoming Czech general election in October and Korea’s presidential vote set for June 3.

Industry analysts believe the Czech government pushed to finalize the deal ahead of its election to avoid potential political and economic fallout. Many in the Czech political sphere had called for the deal to be concluded before October.

KHNP’s success in the Czech Republic is expected to significantly enhance Korea’s chances in other European markets considering nuclear projects, including Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye, and the UK. With global interest in nuclear power rising amid carbon neutrality goals and energy security concerns, Korean nuclear technology is gaining attention for its competitiveness and reliability.

“This deal cements the position of Korean nuclear technology in the global market,” said an industry insider. “It marks a new starting point for Korea’s nuclear industry to expand its presence worldwide.”