5 Aug (NucNet): Public support for nuclear energy in the Czech Republic has increased to 66 percent, a survey conducted by the Czech state energy company CEZ shows.
The annual survey shows an increase of those in favour of the development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic from 64 percent in 2012 to 66 percent in 2013. In 2011, support was 54 percent.
The survey also shows that 53 percent of respondents support the construction of new nuclear units in the country and 64 percent would vote ‘yes’ if there was a referendum on the completion of two new units at the Temelín nuclear power plant.
The survey concludes that 98 percent of the Czech public think the country should be self-sufficient in electricity production. In order to achieve this, nuclear energy is the most preferred power source with 46 percent in favour. Renewable sources follow with 42 percent while the remaining 12 percent favour coal and gas for power generation.
The construction of two new units at Temelín is the subject of a call for tender process. A spokesperson for CEZ told NucNet that the process has been delayed “by several months” due to changes in government after prime minister Petr Necas resigned in June.
Three bids have been submitted to CEZ for the construction of two reactors at Temelin.
They are from a consortium comprising Skoda, Atomstroyexport and Gidropress, which is proposing its MIR (Modernised International Reactor) 1200 unit; Westinghouse with its AP1000 reactor; and Areva with the European Pressurised Water Reactor (EPR1600).
In October 2012, Areva was disqualified from the tender because of what CEZ said were “serious shortcomings” in its preliminary bid. Since then, Areva has launched several appeals against its exclusion, all of which have been unsuccessful.
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To contact the editor responsible for this story: Lubomir Mitev at lubomir.mitev@nucnet.org
