en.Wedoany.com Reported - On July 14, 2026, Czech energy group ČEZ (state-owned 70%) has initiated the process to extend the operational lifespan of both VVER-1000 units at the Temelín nuclear power plant to 80 years.
To enable these two units to operate longer than originally planned, ČEZ stated that significant investment and modernization are required. Through completed upgrades, the installed capacity of each unit has increased from 1,000 MWe to 1,086 MWe.
Future work will include "planned replacement of turbine generators, upgrades to control and management systems, construction of a new large-scale technical unit maintenance hall, and replacement of cooling water pipes." CEO Daniel Beneš stated that the decision "is based on years of detailed economic and technical analysis" and also implies "a large-scale investment and modernization program." ČEZ is moving in the same direction as other modernized nuclear power plant operators worldwide and will regularly assess the technical condition as well as the safety and economic conditions for long-term operation.
Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček said that extending the operational lifespan of the nuclear power plant to 80 years "is a logical step, provided that all necessary safety standards are maintained." He noted that electricity consumption will grow and the plant is in good condition, making it the right time to start investing. Meanwhile, the new Dukovany nuclear power plant project and the construction of other nuclear and renewable energy sources are still progressing.
Chairman of the State Office for Nuclear Safety Štěpán Kochánek emphasized that there is no fixed time limit on the operational lifespan of nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic, with the key criterion being the condition of safety-critical components. Operation can only be extended if the operator regularly demonstrates that all safety requirements are met, equipment is effectively managed, the technical condition is suitable, and sufficient financial and human resources are available. Each step and submitted assessment will undergo thorough review.
In April of this year, ČEZ announced the launch of a process to extend the operational lifespan of the Dukovany nuclear power plant to 80 years. The Dukovany plant operates four VVER-440 units (built between 1985 and 1987), and through large-scale modernization, their output has gradually increased from the original 440 MWe to 512 MWe. Ongoing modernization efforts aim to ensure these units operate for at least 60 years, until 2045-2047.
Currently, approximately one-third of the Czech Republic's electricity comes from nuclear power. In addition to maintaining, upgrading, and extending the lifespan of existing units, the country also plans to build new gigawatt-class units (first at Dukovany), as well as up to 3 GW of small modular reactor capacity.
