Urenco and ČEZ sign supply agreement into 2030s

Thursday, 7 November 2024

The new contract extends a relationship which has already lasted for 20 years and the companies marked the new agreements at the British Embassy in Prague, with ambassador Matt Field (see picture above).

Sarah Riedel, Head of Sales for Urenco, said: "I am proud that we have extended our long-standing supplier relationship with ČEZ, helping the Czech Republic strengthen its energy security. ČEZ have been a long-time advocate for diversity of supply and is a leader in new nuclear power in Europe. We look forward to supporting ČEZ with enriched uranium for their new reactors, both big and small."

Bohdan Zronek, director of ČEZ's nuclear energy division, said: "We have been cooperating with Urenco for 20 years, and the newly concluded contract sets the stage for further long-term cooperation. Our task is to ensure the safe operation of our nuclear power plants. And through the diversification of suppliers and contracts with stable companies, we simultaneously strengthen the energy security of the Czech Republic."

There are a number of steps in the nuclear fuel cycle, with diversification of suppliers seen as important. The final fuel assemblies for ČEZ's nuclear power plants are supplied by Westinghouse and Framatome, although before then uranium has to be bought on world markets and then enriched. As well as the contract with Urenco, ČEZ also has a long-term uranium enrichment contract with Orano.

The Czech Republic uses nuclear power for about 34% of its electricity, generating this from four reactors at Dukovany and two at Temelin. Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power was recently selected as preferred supplier for the construction of up to four new reactors at Dukovany and Temelin. There are also plans for small modular reactors in the country, with ČEZ selecting Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred supplier, and taking a stake in the company.