South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun (right) speaks to reporters in Prague, the Czech Republic, Tuesday. (South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy) PRAGUE, Czech Republic — South Korean Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun expressed confidence that Korea’s nuclear plant deal with the Czech Republic will move forward smoothly, despite a surprise court ruling on Tuesday that temporarily blocked an $18 billion contract between Korean and Czech energy companies.
Ahn was en route to Prague for the official signing ceremony between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Elektrarna Dukovany II, scheduled for Wednesday, when a Czech court issued a preliminary injunction at the request of French energy firm EDF, which had lost the bid to supply two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany site.
“For now, a pause is inevitable, and we cannot predict whether the delay will last days or months,” Ahn told reporters upon arriving in Prague.
“Still, this project is of major national importance to the Czech Republic — it’s the country’s largest energy project. The Czech side made considerable efforts to ensure fairness, objectivity, and transparency throughout the process, right up to the final announcement. We believe there will be no major issues, as confirmed by the UOHS ruling.”
On Tuesday, the Brno Regional Court granted EDF’s request for an injunction, preventing Elektrarna Dukovany II from signing the contract with KHNP.
Amid criticism of possible complacency, Ahn emphasized that the Czech government had grounds to believe the court would dismiss EDF’s complaint, based on earlier decisions.
“Our response wasn’t lax. Prior to Tuesday’s ruling, the Czech competition authority had already dismissed EDF’s objections twice,” he said.
“So the Czech side did not regard it as a major issue and went ahead with the invitation and signing ceremony schedule.”
The minister also stressed that the Korean government has maintained “constant” communication with its Czech counterpart.
“Once the contract is signed and the project begins, we’re even preparing to establish a dedicated unit at the embassy — essentially at the level of a project headquarters — to ensure tight coordination,” Ahn said.
Ahn, who arrived in Prague on Tuesday for a two-day visit, planned to attend all other scheduled meetings and events, including gatherings with Korean firms in the consortium and partnership ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Czech utility firmCEZ is reportedly preparing to appeal the injunction and is currently undergoing a legal review.
In this context, the Korean government plans to fully cooperate and provide any necessary clarifications or support.
“Once all matters are settled, we aim to actively collaborate on this crucial nuclear power project, which will play a key role in the Czech Republic’s future energy landscape,” Ahn said.
By Jo He-rim & Joint Press Corps
herim@heraldcorp.com