While the two companies competing for the $10bn Temelín nuclear plant contract (US-Japanese Westinghouse and the Czech-Russian Consortium MIR.1200 ) offer reactors with similar output, they differ in the amount of potential work orders they will offer Czech companies.
Stanislav Kázecký, the deputy chairman of the Confederation in Industry, admits both bids in the tender offer Czech companies a 70-percent share of the construction and installation work. “It seems to me, however, that the Czech-Russian consortium is more active as regards the share of Czech companies. Some companies linked with the consortium already have orders,”, he told ČTK.
“The Czech-Russian consortium has thus far offered better possibilities for Czech firms to penetrate third markets,” he added. Involving Czech companies in the project is paramount, according to the Czech Industry and Trade Minister, Martin Kuba.
Dana Drábová, the Authority for Nuclear Safety (SUJB) chairwoman, pointed to the fact that both bids have their weaknesses. While Westinghouse’s concept is new and lacks references, the Russians have problems organizing construction and securing sufficient production quality and supervision, she told the Czech TV.
