On October 31st 2023 – Further to the invitation to submit bids received on 17 March 2022 and further to EDF’s first Initial Bid submitted on 30 November 2022 to the to the Czech operator ČEZ and its project company Elektrárna Dukovany II (EDU II), EDF has formally submitted today:
- Its Updated Initial Bid to supply engineering, procurement, construction and support to commissioning activities for one (1) EPR1200 reactor at the Dukovany site (unit 5), and design and implementation activities for nuclear fuel and delivery of fuel assemblies for this project;
- Two (2) Updated Indicative Proposals aiming to support the development of a fleet of reactors in the Czech Republic, based on one additional unit at the Dukovany site (unit 6) and two additional units at the Temelín site (units 3 and 4).
This Updated Initial Bid is the result of months of clarifications with ČEZ and EDU II as part of the on-going vendor selection process and is the last stage of the competitive procedure prior to preferred bidder selection.
EDF’s Updated Initial Bid is based on the proven and complementary skills of EDF, its industrial partners and the Czech Nuclear Industry. Through its proposal, EDF proposes to be the single source of supply and integration of the EPR1200 technology and its project execution, whilst relying on:
- The know-how and industrial prowess of its subsidiary Framatome to supply the engineering studies and equipment for the nuclear steam supply system and, instrumentation and control;
- Its historical and trusted partners: GE Steam Power for the supply of the engineering studies and equipment of the conventional island, which is to be equipped with the French Arabelle 1000 steam turbine; and Bouygues Travaux Publics for its proven performance in nuclear new build civil works activities.
EDF’s proposal combines:
- A generation III+ EPR1200 reactor technology, leveraging the EPR reactor family’s optimisations and experience adapted to the specificities of the Dukovany site;
- A fully integrated proposal encompassing design, engineering, construction, support to commissioning (EPC) and extensive training, licensing and technical assistance to support pre-operation and operation;
- A proven delivery model relying on EDF as main supplier for all the necessary packages from EPC activities to Nuclear Fuel;
- A long-term partnership approach between the French and Czech nuclear industries supported by a tailor-made Czech localisation process, enhancing economic value for the Czech Republic.
In this spirit, EDF is deploying a strategy based on:
- In-depth work to identify Czech companies that could be selected as suppliers for the project; to date nearly 300 Czech companies have been identified and approximately 90 have commenced EDF’s prequalification process;
- The organization of dedicated training sessions to familiarise Czech industrial players with EDF’s reactor technology, supplier qualification requirements and relevant codes and standards;
- The expansion of the EDF Nuclear Czechia branch in Prague, dedicated to the development of EDF’s nuclear activities for the Czech market with the purpose of coordinating local efforts for a successful long-term cooperation with ČEZ and the Czech industry;
- The promotion of human capacity building and educational programmes in the field of new nuclear development and nuclear science in Czechia, notably through EDF’s sponsorship of the Czech-French Nuclear Academy, officially launched early October 2023.
EDF and its partners are fully mobilised to secure a long-lasting collaboration between the Czech and French industries for the success of the Czech new nuclear programme. By joining the growing community of EPR-based technology owners and operators, ČEZ and EDU II will not only gain unprecedented access to EDF’s world-class nuclear technology but also benefit from knowledge sharing and lessons learned in deploying and promoting the safe use and operation of third generation nuclear technology in Europe.
Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of the EDF Group said: "EDF is deeply focused on mobilizing its efforts to be selected as preferred partner for Dukovany 5 and the further expansion of ČEZ’s nuclear fleet with its European EPR1200 technology. As the only vendor and builder of third generation nuclear technology in Europe, we believe that the long-term strategic partnership we are proposing will set a precedent for our continent and serve as the backbone for a more resilient and independent European nuclear industry. By joining the European EPR community, the Czech Republic will benefit from a massive fleet effect and create many industrial synergies between our current and future nuclear programmes in France, the UK and beyond. I am convinced that the partnership between ČEZ and EDF will further underscore our shared role as two leading European nuclear operators committed to supporting Europe's energy independence and achieving net-zero in Europe.”