Czech nuclear strategy back on ice

Among other things, it was to specify the approach to building new generation blocks at nuclear plants. The move follows on the heels of ministers at the end of last year postponing approval for an updated National Energy Concept [ASEK] until February. However, ASEK has still not been addressed yet. The concept counts on nuclear power as the country’s main source of electricity.

Mládek claimed the national action plan had been included on the Cabinet agenda merely to let other government ministers know that it had been finished. His ministry now has until the end of June to complete an analysis of alternatives to brown coal production. After that, the Cabinet is to deal with both ASEK and the nuclear strategy.

It cannot be ruled out that the government will fail to reach a final decision on mining limits for brown coal, further delaying the approval of ASEK as well as any green light for energy group ČEZ to start preparations for the construction of new power generation blocks. “It appears that everyone is well aware of the difficulties associated with funding the nuclear strategy,” said Jan Ondřich, an analyst at Candole Partners.