ČEZ Plans 80-Year Lifespan for Temelín Nuclear Plant

Energy company ČEZ is preparing the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant for a possible operating lifespan of up to 80 years. Extensive investment and modernisation programmes are intended to support its long-term operation and safeguard the Czech Republic's energy supply.

Czech energy company ČEZ has begun preparations for the possible operation of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant for up to 80 years. A similar assessment has already been carried out for the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant. According to the company, the long-term operation of both facilities will strengthen the Czech Republic's energy security and continue to ensure a stable supply of low-emission electricity.

"The plan to operate Dukovany and Temelín for 80 years is based on thorough economic and technical analyses that we have been working on for several years," said ČEZ Chief Executive Officer Daniel Beneš. The plan will also require extensive investment and modernisation programmes.

Foto: ČEZ

ČEZ said it is following the approach taken by operators of modern nuclear power plants around the world. Throughout the operating period, the technical condition of the plants, along with safety and economic requirements, will be assessed on a regular basis.

Technical and Economic Development Under Continuous Review

ČEZ regularly assesses the future of its nuclear power plants using a technical and economic model. The analyses take into account the condition of key components, developments in electricity prices and other economic factors.

According to the company, the findings to date support the long-term operation of both nuclear power plants. ČEZ invests several billion Czech crowns each year in modernisation projects and additional safety measures. These investments support thousands of jobs and create long-term contracts for Czech companies.

Foto: ČEZ

Capacity of Both Nuclear Power Plants Significantly Increased

Modernisation work has increased the combined output of Temelín's two reactor units from 1,962 to 2,172 megawatts. At Dukovany, output has also been increased from 1,760 to 2,048 megawatts.

Further investment is planned to enable operation beyond 80 years. Planned projects include new turbogenerators, modernised control and instrumentation systems, and the replacement of key technical equipment and components at both power plants.

Reactor Pressure Vessels Subject to Close Monitoring

A key requirement for long-term operation is the regular monitoring of safety-critical components, particularly the reactor pressure vessels and the main structural elements. Their condition will be continuously assessed throughout the plants' operating lifetime using internationally recognised methods.