ČEZ to invest CZK 3.8 billion in Temelín nuclear power plant modernisation this year

The energy group ČEZ is investing CZK 3.8 billion this year in the modernisation of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. A total of 237 individual investment projects are planned. Since the plant was commissioned, almost CZK 38 billion has been invested in its gradual renewal and further development.

This year’s work focuses on completing the transition to a longer fuel cycle, continuing the modernisation of the control system, and expanding the use of artificial intelligence and modern monitoring methods. The objective is to ensure the plant’s safe long-term operation while increasing the average annual output of Czech nuclear power plants to 32 terawatt-hours, around two terawatt-hours more than before. This level was reached for the first time last year but will be slightly undershot in 2026, among other reasons due to two planned outages at Temelín. Safety and efficiency always remain the top priorities, stressed Bohdan Zronek, ČEZ board member and head of the Nuclear Energy Division.

Foto: ČEZ

At the same time, Temelín continues the introduction of a new control system supplied by Westinghouse. Parts of the system have been in operation in Unit One since last year, with the corresponding upgrade of Unit Two to follow in the first months of this year. The phased modernisation, carried out during scheduled outages, is to be completed by 2029.

The plant is also increasingly relying on artificial intelligence. It has already been used for two years to reduce internal consumption, resulting in annual savings of several thousand megawatt-hours. From 2026, its role is to be further expanded, particularly in working with extensive technical and safety-related documentation.

Foto: ČEZ

After a year with only one outage, two scheduled shutdowns are planned at Temelín in 2026. In mid-February, Unit Two will be taken offline for around two months, followed by Unit One in mid-October for a similar period. In addition to fuel replacements and inspections, further modernisation work will be carried out and the transition to the longer fuel cycle completed. Each reactor will receive 66 new fuel assemblies, while 133 used assemblies will be safely stored in seven transport containers.

Foto: ČEZ

The investments are accompanied by an expansion of staffing levels. ČEZ plans to recruit nearly 100 new employees for Temelín this year. The company is primarily seeking specialists with technical training or practical experience, including mechanical engineers, electricians and materials engineers, although graduates from other disciplines will also find opportunities. Alongside generational change, the extensive modernisation programme is the main driver of additional staffing requirements. The Temelín Nuclear Power Plant currently employs 1,552 people.