Temelín bidder Consortium MIR.1200 signs contracts with Czech companies

Prague, March 13 (CTK) - Czech-Russian Consortium MIR.1200 has signed contracts with companies ZAT, Hochtief CZ and Nuclear Research Institute (UJV) Rez on cooperation if it succeeds in the tender for building two more units at nuclear plant Temelin, the consortium's PR rep Monika Matyastikova informed CTK yesterday.

Hochtief CZ and ZAT offer exclusive cooperation to MIR.1200, while UJV Rez has signed a similar contract also with the consortium's rival, US-Japanese company Westinghouse.

"These contracts define the duties and obligations of both sides. They clearly set concrete responsibility and specify the extent of the work. At the same time, based on the submitted offers of the individual companies, we can check any time with what sub-contractors these companies sign further contracts. We can thus be sure that 75 percent of the order will really remain in the Czech Republic," said Josef Perlik of company Skoda JS, a member of the consortium. The other members are Russian firms Gidropress and Atomstroyexport.

In case of the consortium's victory, ZAT will supply automated technological processes control systems and other equipment for the power plant. Hochtief CZ will be responsible for the construction part of the project. UJV Rez will take part in the processing of project documentation for the nuclear and turbine parts.

Westinghouse is also signing contracts with Czech companies. It earlier signed a memorandum on cooperation, for example, with engineering group Vitkovice and at the end of February also with UJV Rez, Skoda Praha Invest and Kralovopolska Ria.

France's Areva was also vying for the order and has signed letters of intent with Czech companies but CEZ eliminated it from the tender last year in October. Areva has turned to antitrust office UOHS as it is trying to return to the tender.

The costs of the construction of the third and fourth units of nuclear power plant Temelin are estimated to reach Kc200bn to Kc300bn. CEZ wants to pick the winner this year in September and the new units are to be lunched into operation in 2025.