South Korea is confident it can overcome all obstacles to a multibillion-dollar nuclear power plant project in the Czech Republic, despite calls against the deal initiated by EDF and Westinghouse, President Yoon Suk-yeol told Reuters, BTA reported. >
In a written response to questions posed ahead of his Sept. 19-22 visit to the Czech Republic, Yoon said the trip was partly to ensure that the final contract would go smoothly, adding that the project's success was due to "paramount importance“.
In July, the Czech Republic chose "Korea hydro&nuclear power" (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power/KHNP) to build two new nuclear power units, and possibly more, as part of its largest-ever energy investment initiative.
But the appeal of "Westinghouse" - arguing that KHNP does not have a license agreement to export reactors that are based on the US group's technology - looms as a potential hurdle. French state-owned energy company EDF also appealed the Czech decision after losing out in the last round of the tender.
Yun said Seoul and Washington are working to create a "friendly atmosphere” between nuclear power enterprises as part of efforts to bridge intellectual property rights differences and accelerate cooperation.
"I believe these efforts will help facilitate the smooth resolution of any dispute that may arise between the two countries,” he said. "There is no need to worry about the project to build a nuclear power plant in the Czech Republic.“
Yun's trip comes as Seoul and Prague mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.