Czech Republic nuclear power plant deals worth over 100 billion yuan did not encounter any unexpected events. South Korean nuclear power became the biggest winner, while Chinese nuclear power was defeated by geopolitical factors.

With the construction of digital infrastructure such as AI data centers, global electricity demand has surged, leading to a great renaissance for nuclear power.

To date, China operates, builds, and approves a total of 102 nuclear power units with an installed capacity reaching 113 million kilowatts, making its overall scale of nuclear power first rise to the world's top position.

Currently, China has 28 nuclear power units under construction with a total installed capacity of 33.65 million kilowatts, maintaining its position as the country with the largest in-construction nuclear power capacity for 18 consecutive years; commercial nuclear power units have reached 58 with a total installed capacity of 60.96 million kilowatts.

According to a report from South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo on April 18, more than 70% of the research reactors currently in operation globally have been operational for over 40 years and are aging. It is expected that about 50 research reactors will be needed in the next 20 years.

The Czech government approved the budget for the construction of the new nuclear power station at units 5 and 6 of Dukovany at a press conference after the cabinet meeting on April 30. They indicated that they would sign the final contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power on May 7. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated on the same day: "We will sign the contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power on May 7. This project will lower energy prices and ensure the long-term competitiveness of the Czech industry."

This large-scale project, with an estimated total cost of 26 trillion won [approximately 132.1 billion yuan RMB], scheduled to begin in 2029 and complete in 2037, will play a significant role in reviving the previously withering nuclear power ecosystem. After signing the final contract, Hanwha E&C plans to sign subsequent contracts related to design, construction, and materials procurement with companies like KEPCO Engineering & Construction, Daewoo Construction, and Doosan Energy Systems.

If the progress of units 5 and 6 of Dukovany goes smoothly, expectations for signing additional contracts for Temelin units 3 and 4 will also increase.

This marks another major victory for South Korea since securing the UAE Barakah nuclear power plant project in 2009. Chinese nuclear professionals must strategically consider how to break through the encirclement and pursuit by the United States.

The European market, interfered with by the United States, which views China as the greatest challenge of this century, appears to be a禁区for C-nuclear market access. However, there are breakthrough opportunities in countries friendly to China, such as Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, and Spain.

In addition, Romania and Bulgaria along the "Middle Corridor" on the Black Sea coast are hopeful for future logistics cooperation with China, which could also become a future market for C-nuclear power.

"Belt and Road" countries in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, South Asia [Pakistan, Bangladesh], the Middle East, North Africa, and South America should naturally and necessarily be the main battlefield for C-nuclear power.

Nuclear power is experiencing a great "Renaissance," and C-nuclear power must have dreams, becoming a great creator of this great era!

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1831076959932745/

Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's personal views.