Overview of the Dukovany nuclear power plant ⁣in the Czech Republic, where Hanwha ⁤Solutions was selected as the preferred negotiating partner ​ [Image courtesy of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power]

Czech ‍Republic Nuclear Power Plant: Government Reviews Plan​ to Use Westinghouse Equipment

The government is reviewing a plan to receive nuclear power ⁣plant ⁣equipment from⁣ Westinghouse, an‌ American nuclear power company, amidst a dispute over⁢ a Korean company’s bid to build a nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic.

According to a response from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, there are differences of opinion among⁤ KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Westinghouse regarding intellectual property rights. ⁣However, the ministry stated that there is also room for cooperation in areas such as equipment supply, as in the case⁤ of Barakah in the United Arab Emirates.

The Ministry of‌ Trade, Industry and Energy explained that the government will support the⁣ smooth resolution of⁤ the dispute by creating a friendly atmosphere for cooperation between ‌companies. This comes after Westinghouse ⁢claimed that Korea was violating intellectual property ​rights in the nuclear power plant technology‌ it was exporting to the Czech Republic.

Despite⁤ the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and ⁣Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power maintaining that it was Korea’s⁣ own technology, the conflict over the ‌Czech nuclear power plant project⁤ continues. The Czech antitrust ​authorities have taken steps to file ‍objections with the United States and France, leading to speculation that they are considering negotiating⁣ a method of receiving equipment from Westinghouse in the United States.

A similar situation occurred in 2009 when Korea‌ won the contract for⁤ the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Major ⁣components were purchased from Westinghouse after Westinghouse claimed intellectual property infringement. Westinghouse later withdrew its claim of intellectual property infringement.