Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) and Czech contractor Elektrarna Dukovany II (EDU II) on June 4 concluded the main contract for the construction of a nuclear plant at the nuclear energy complex (shown) in the Dukovany region of the Czech Republic. (KHNP)

By Xu Aiying

A public company has concluded a contract worth KRW 26 trillion to build a nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic.

Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Elektrarna Dukovany II (EDU II) on June 4 signed the main contract after about nine months of technical and commercial negotiations. KHNP was selected the preferred bidder for the project in July last year.

This is Korea's first export of a nuclear plant to Europe and second overall since the Barakah project in the United Arab Emirates in 2009.

In line with its decarbonization strategy for national energy and climate policy, the Czech Republic is considering construction of up to four reactors at the Dukovany complex to raise the role of nuclear power.

The Czech government and EDU II in July last year picked KHNP as the preferred bidder and announced that Units 5 and 6 in Dukovany would be built first. Their decision on whether to add Units 3 and 4 in the Temelin region will come later.

As a result, KHNP can conclude deals through negotiations with the contractor if the Czech government opts to add two reactors in Temelin over the next five years.

Per the contract, KHNP will provide two APR1000 plants of 1,000 megawatts in the Dukovany region. The two companies will also begin the project after holding a launch meeting.

In addition, Korea Aerospace Industries on June 3 concluded a deal to supply 12 units of the light combat aircraft FA-50 to the Philippines.

Worth USD 700 million, the contract includes aircraft and follow-up logistical support, with delivery of the 12 planes due by 2030.

Over 140 FA-50s have been exported to six countries: the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Iraq, Poland and Malaysia.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) on June 3 concluded a deal to supply 12 units of the light combat aircraft FA-50 to the Philippines. (KAI)