(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
By Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent
Final Deal with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Stalls Amid Legal Dispute
A planned final contract signing between South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and the Czech government for the Dukovany nuclear power plant project—valued at approximately KRW 26 trillion (USD 19 billion)—has been suspended due to a legal objection filed by France’s Électricité de France (EDF). The contract signing was initially scheduled to take place in Prague on May 7, 2025, but was indefinitely postponed after a Czech court accepted EDF’s injunction request.
Injunction Issued on the Eve of Signing
On May 6, just one day before the scheduled signing, the Brno Regional Court in the Czech Republic ruled in favor of EDF’s request, ordering a halt to the signing process until the main lawsuit is resolved. EDF has claimed procedural unfairness and alleged violations of EU public procurement law during the bidding process.
While KHNP and the Czech state-run utility EDU II have appealed to the Czech Supreme Administrative Court, the injunction remains in effect. As a result, despite some media reports suggesting that a final contract has been signed, the deal is in fact on hold pending legal resolution.
EDF Cites Unfair Process and Legal Breaches
EDF has been raising concerns since KHNP was named the preferred bidder in July 2024, arguing that the selection process lacked fairness and transparency, and violated foreign subsidy regulations and EU procurement law. The Czech court noted that allowing the contract to proceed could irreversibly impact EDF’s rights, especially if the court later rules in its favor, effectively eliminating its opportunity to compete.
KHNP and Czech Authorities Await Supreme Court Ruling
Both KHNP and EDU II have submitted appeals to the Czech Supreme Administrative Court, seeking to overturn the injunction. However, it remains unclear how long the legal battle will last or how the main lawsuit will conclude. Despite the delay, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the project, stating that they respect the judicial process.
Major Nuclear Deal Still Uncertain Amid Ongoing Dispute
The Dukovany project involves the construction of two 1,000 MW-class reactors in central Czechia and is one of the largest nuclear tenders in Europe in recent years. KHNP had been celebrated for beating out traditional nuclear heavyweights such as the United States and France in securing the top bidder position. However, EDF’s legal challenge has cast doubt on whether KHNP can finalize the deal.
Final Contract Still Pending—Legal Outcome Is Critical
As of May 26, 2025, no final contract has been signed between KHNP and the Czech government for the Dukovany nuclear power plant. The deal remains suspended due to EDF’s legal action. The fate of the project now hinges on the Czech Supreme Administrative Court’s forthcoming decision. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on who will ultimately emerge as the winner in this high-stakes competition in the European nuclear market.
Copyright © The Value Chain Times. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use for AI training are strictly prohibited.
[The Value Chain Times = Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent]
By Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent
Final Deal with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Stalls Amid Legal Dispute
A planned final contract signing between South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and the Czech government for the Dukovany nuclear power plant project—valued at approximately KRW 26 trillion (USD 19 billion)—has been suspended due to a legal objection filed by France’s Électricité de France (EDF). The contract signing was initially scheduled to take place in Prague on May 7, 2025, but was indefinitely postponed after a Czech court accepted EDF’s injunction request.
Injunction Issued on the Eve of Signing
On May 6, just one day before the scheduled signing, the Brno Regional Court in the Czech Republic ruled in favor of EDF’s request, ordering a halt to the signing process until the main lawsuit is resolved. EDF has claimed procedural unfairness and alleged violations of EU public procurement law during the bidding process.
While KHNP and the Czech state-run utility EDU II have appealed to the Czech Supreme Administrative Court, the injunction remains in effect. As a result, despite some media reports suggesting that a final contract has been signed, the deal is in fact on hold pending legal resolution.
EDF Cites Unfair Process and Legal Breaches
EDF has been raising concerns since KHNP was named the preferred bidder in July 2024, arguing that the selection process lacked fairness and transparency, and violated foreign subsidy regulations and EU procurement law. The Czech court noted that allowing the contract to proceed could irreversibly impact EDF’s rights, especially if the court later rules in its favor, effectively eliminating its opportunity to compete.
KHNP and Czech Authorities Await Supreme Court Ruling
Both KHNP and EDU II have submitted appeals to the Czech Supreme Administrative Court, seeking to overturn the injunction. However, it remains unclear how long the legal battle will last or how the main lawsuit will conclude. Despite the delay, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the project, stating that they respect the judicial process.
Major Nuclear Deal Still Uncertain Amid Ongoing Dispute
The Dukovany project involves the construction of two 1,000 MW-class reactors in central Czechia and is one of the largest nuclear tenders in Europe in recent years. KHNP had been celebrated for beating out traditional nuclear heavyweights such as the United States and France in securing the top bidder position. However, EDF’s legal challenge has cast doubt on whether KHNP can finalize the deal.
Final Contract Still Pending—Legal Outcome Is Critical
As of May 26, 2025, no final contract has been signed between KHNP and the Czech government for the Dukovany nuclear power plant. The deal remains suspended due to EDF’s legal action. The fate of the project now hinges on the Czech Supreme Administrative Court’s forthcoming decision. As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on who will ultimately emerge as the winner in this high-stakes competition in the European nuclear market.
Copyright © The Value Chain Times. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, and use for AI training are strictly prohibited.
[The Value Chain Times = Aubrey Kim, New York Correspondent]