The Temelín Nuclear Power Plant in the Czech Republic is set to receive massive new turbine generators, each measuring 65 meters (approximately 213 feet) in length and weighing over 2,000 tons, as part of a significant modernization initiative. The contract, described by ČEZ Group as the largest investment for Czech nuclear facilities since their commissioning, was awarded to Doosan Škoda Power, with installation scheduled during planned outages in 2029 and 2030.
This major upgrade aims to enhance the plant’s power output, improve its regulatory capabilities, and extend the operational lifespan of its units, as the original turbine-generator sets approach the end of their operational life.
Doosan Škoda Power Secures Landmark Contract
ČEZ Group, the owner and operator of the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant, selected Doosan Škoda Power through a public tender. While the exact value of the contract remains undisclosed, ČEZ has indicated it amounts to “several billion” Czech Koruna. The company, headquartered in Plzeň and part of the South Korean Doosan Enerbility group, previously supplied the original turbine-generator sets to Temelín when it was known as Škoda Plzeň. Seungwoo Sohn, CEO of Power Service Business Group of Doosan Enerbility, emphasized their success against other global manufacturers, affirming Doosan Škoda Power’s leading position in power plant equipment.
Enhancing Output and Operational Life at Temelín
The replacement of the turbine generators is a critical component of a broader modernization strategy for the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. Daniel Beneš, Chairman and CEO of ČEZ Group, highlighted that past modernizations have already increased the output of their nuclear units by a total of 500 MWe, comparable to a large coal-fired power plant but without the associated emissions or environmental impacts. The new generators are expected to continue this trend, allowing for greater output and aligning with the plant’s lifetime extension goals.
The existing turbine-generator sets at Temelín currently supply the grid with a nominal 1,086 MW of electricity per unit and are directly connected to one high-pressure and three low-pressure turbine sections. The advanced design of the new turbine systems includes blades whose tips can reach speeds surpassing twice the speed of sound. Temelín, which began operation in 2000 and 2002, aims for a 60-year operational life, and these upgrades are integral to achieving that target.
The Role of Nuclear Power in the Czech Republic
Nuclear power plays a significant role in the Czech Republic’s energy mix, providing 34% of its electricity. The country operates four VVER-440 units at the Dukovany site and two VVER-1000 units at Temelín. Beyond maintaining and upgrading existing facilities, the Czech Republic has ambitious plans for new gigawatt units, initially at Dukovany, and also aims for up to 3 GW of small modular reactor capacity.
Modernization efforts are also underway at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Station, with plans to upgrade its turbine halls to potentially increase output and prepare for a district heating scheme for the nearby city of Brno. These comprehensive investments underscore the Czech Republic’s commitment to nuclear energy as a reliable, emission-free power source for its future.
