Already last year in May, ČEZ selected new suppliers of nuclear fuel assemblies for the Temelín nuclear power plant. Supplies from the American company Westinghouse and the French company Framatome will also be implemented from 2024. The company Westinghouse has already supplied fuel assemblies to Temelín for ten years after its launch. The second key Czech resource - the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant - is now joining it.
"Securing a western supplier of fuel assemblies for Dukovany is an important step not only for the Czech energy industry, but also for the entire Czech Republic. There is a further significant strengthening of energy safety," says Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of the CEZ Group Daniel Beneš.
Westinghouse should deliver the first fuel assemblies for the VVER 440 block to the Czech Republic already next year.
"We are grateful for ČEZ Group’s confidence in Westinghouse and remain fully committed to supporting its policy of supply diversification. We are proud to be the first Western alternative with a proven fuel design for this type of units,” says Tarik Choho, President of Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel.
Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant currently has a supply of fuel in storage for approximately three years of operation. The NPPS suppose to maintain this reserve even after signing a new contract.
"Thanks to the increase in the number of possible suppliers, we are strengthening our independence and the certainty of the long term operation of our NPP´s," adds Bohdan Zronek, a member of the board of directors and director of the nuclear energy division.
Westinghouse Electric Company: has more than 60 years of experience in nuclear power worldwide. It offers products and services in the field of design, construction, management, servicing and maintenance of nuclear power plants, production and servicing of key nuclear components. It currently operates in 19 countries.