### Czech Republic Moves Forward with $18 Billion Nuclear Project Amid Legal Challenges The Czech Republic has taken a significant step towards enhancing its energy independence by approving a major nuclear project worth $18 billion. This project involves the construction of at least two nuclear reactors by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) at the Dukovany nuclear plant. The approval comes after a Czech court dismissed legal challenges that had previously stalled the deal, particularly a bid from France's EDF to block the contract. The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling has cleared the way for the Czech government to finalize the agreement with KHNP, marking a pivotal moment in the country's energy strategy and commitment to nuclear power as a sustainable energy source [https://energynews.pro/en/czech-court-approves-18-billion-nuclear-contract-with-khnp][https://apnews.com/article/czech-nuclear-reactors-edf-khnp-south-korea-3e411cd3693ee4f0c4ecf4fe1d0f799f]. ### Breakdown of the Nuclear Deal and Legal Proceedings 1. **Court Ruling**: The Supreme Administrative Court of the Czech Republic lifted an injunction that had previously blocked the signing of the contract with KHNP, allowing the project to proceed [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3446821-unblocking-czechias-nuclear-future-court-clears-path-for-new-reactors]. 2. **Government Agreement**: Following the court's decision, the Czech government officially signed the deal with KHNP, which is expected to construct the reactors at the Dukovany site operated by the state-run CEZ group [https://www.legit.ng/business-economy/economy/1658287-czechs-sign-nuclear-deal-skorea-firm-khnp-pm]. 3. **Legal Challenges**: The project faced delays due to legal challenges from EDF, which had lost the tender to KHNP. The dismissal of these challenges has been crucial in moving the project forward [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/czech-republic-advances-nuclear-energy-with-new-reactors]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Investment Amount**: The total investment for the nuclear project is estimated at **$18 billion** [https://energynews.pro/en/czech-court-approves-18-billion-nuclear-contract-with-khnp]. - **Number of Reactors**: The agreement includes the construction of **at least two nuclear reactors** [https://apnews.com/article/czech-nuclear-reactors-edf-khnp-south-korea-3e411cd3693ee4f0c4ecf4fe1d0f799f]. - **Court Decisions**: The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling was pivotal, as it overturned a previous lower court decision that had blocked the deal [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/headlines/3446821-unblocking-czechias-nuclear-future-court-clears-path-for-new-reactors]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for Czech Nuclear Energy In summary, the Czech Republic is poised to advance its nuclear energy capabilities significantly through the newly approved deal with KHNP. The following points encapsulate the key developments: 1. **Court Approval**: The Supreme Administrative Court's ruling has unblocked the path for the $18 billion nuclear project, allowing KHNP to proceed with construction [https://www.koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-04/business/industry/Highest-Czech-court-says-KHNPs-nuclear-deal-can-proceed/2323022]. 2. **Government Commitment**: The Czech government has officially signed the contract, marking a commitment to nuclear energy as part of its energy strategy [https://www.legit.ng/business-economy/economy/1658287-czechs-sign-nuclear-deal-skorea-firm-khnp-pm]. 3. **Future Implications**: This project is expected to enhance energy security and sustainability in the Czech Republic, positioning the country as a leader in nuclear energy within the EU [https://www.indexbox.io/blog/czech-republic-advances-nuclear-energy-with-new-reactors]. The successful navigation of legal challenges and the subsequent agreement with KHNP represent a significant milestone in the Czech Republic's energy landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and independent energy future.