Czech nuclear power plants produced a record amount of energy in 2022, according to Czechia’s utility group CEZ. They supplied 31 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity to the transmission network, 300,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) more than in the previous year. Thus, they saved approximately 22.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
The record production is the result of a series of modernisations and improvements that increased the reliability and performance of both key Czech energy sources. In 2023, CEZ expects a slightly lower production of the nuclear power plants due to very extensive investments into their at least 60 years of planned operation.
“We are fulfilling our aims to be a key Czech emission-free source,” commented the Chairman of the Board and CEO of CEZ Group, Daniel Beneš. “We invest around 4 billion crowns [approximately 167 million euros] annually in increasing the safety, reliability and efficient operation of our nuclear units and we have similar plans in the coming years as well.”
“Operational safety and the corresponding condition of the equipment are absolutely key for us, which is why we expect significant investments in the coming years. In Dukovany, for example, we will start the gradual cleaning of steam generators with the aim of ensuring their long-term reliability,” added Bohdan Zronek, a member of the board of directors and director of the nuclear energy division of the CEZ Group.
During the energy crisis, both Dukovany and Temelín increased their levels of production. Dukovany power plant produced 14.73 TWh in 2022, whereas Temelín achieved a slightly higher production of 16.29 TWh in the same year.
Thanks to modifications in recent years, the output of Czech nuclear power has safely increased by approximately 500 megawatts, which is comparable to the construction of a smaller nuclear unit.
