In expelling the Russian diplomats, Czech PM Andrej Babiš stated that there was reasonable suspicion of the involvement members of the Russian intelligence service GRU in the explosion.
Earlier, Babiš said nuclear energy is of key importance for ensuring the self-sufficiency and energy security of the country.
Several Czech politicians have said that Russian Rosatom should not remain among potential bidders for the construction of a new unit in the Czech Dukovany nuclear power plant.
In the coming days, the Czech Republic was to send a safety questionnaire to those interested in the Dukovan construction.
The Russian company Rosatom is also one of the applicants.
Czech Minister of Industry & Trade Karel Havlicek said:
- I can't imagine Rosatom getting into the safety assessment at the moment
- Rosatom will be dropped to take part in the tender,
- The Russian company will not be able to take part in the tender as a subcontractor
The reactor vendor is to be selected by the end of 2022 and a construction licence issued by 2029, with commissioning expected in 2036.
The 5 companies reportedly interested in building new nuclear units in the Czech Republic
- China General Nuclear
- EDF
- Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power
- Rosatom
- Westinghouse
Commissioned in 1985, the Dukovany NPP has 4 power units powered by VVER-440 reactors.
The country also operates Temelin NPP, featuring 2 units with VVER-1000.
The 2 NPPs in the Czech Republic were built with the assistance of Russia and have been operated with Russian nuclear fuel manufactured by TVEL.
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