Utility ČEZ has applied to build two new reactors at the site The existing Dukovany nuclear power station in the Czech Republic. Photo courtesy ČEZ . Russian state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom retains interest in the Czech Republic’s project to build two new nuclear power units at the existing Dukovany site, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

A Rosatom official told Tass that in February company representatives took part in consultations with Czech utility ČEZ on the Dukovany new-build project along with officials from other nuclear equipment suppliers.

The Rosatom delegation presented to ČEZ information about Rosatom’s projects and business models, the unnamed source said.

In March 2020, ČEZ filed for permission with the State Office for Nuclear Safety to build two new nuclear power plants at the Dukovany site, in the southeast of the country.

ČEZ chief executive Daniel Benes said last year the company should have a tender ready by June 2020 and expects offers in 2021 from up to five bidders.

According to media reports, six companies have shown interest in building the new nuclear unit or units. They are China’s CGN, Russia’s Rosatom, South Korea’s KHNP, France’s EDF, Westinghouse, and the Atmea consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and EDF.

There are four Russia-designed VVER-440 reactor units at the Dukovany site and the government has said they should be replaced by new ones in about 20 to 30 years.