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.