Czech nuclear plants Dukovany and Temelin remain operational during heat wave

The Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power stations in the Czech Republic are not expected to curtail output despite the current heat wave and drought. CEZ spokesperson Ladislav Kříž said the plants use cooling‑tower systems that consume far less water than the flow‑through cooling employed at sites such as France’s or Hungary’s reactors, allowing continuous operation even with low river flows.

Kříž noted that neither plant has ever needed to limit production for hydrological reasons and that no restrictions are foreseen. He added that future reactors at Dukovany will combine water cooling with dry‑air cooling to mitigate long‑term water‑availability concerns. The two new units, to be built by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, are projected to cost 407 billion CZK, with the first unit slated for completion in 2036.

The statement contrasts with recent reductions at Hungary’s Paks plant and reported shortages in Romania, underscoring the Czech reactors’ resilience thanks to their cooling‑tower design.