Skoda Power plant key to Korea’s Czech nuclear bid

(Joint Press Corps)

As South Korea awaits a final decision on its bid for a Czech nuclear power project, Doosan Škoda Power’s turbine plant in Plzeň is emerging as a strategic asset that could bolster the country’s competitiveness in securing the deal.

Located 90 minutes from Prague, the Škoda Power facility remains fully operational and continues to produce turbines even after the signing of the main contract for the Dukovany nuclear power station was delayed. Acquired by Korea’s Doosan Group in 2009, the company has since delivered over 560 turbines, including six reactors currently running in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as in nuclear plants in Finland and across Europe.

Doosan’s acquisition gave it proprietary turbine technology, eliminating royalty costs and bolstering its nuclear export competitiveness. Under Korean ownership, the firm has expanded from a regional player into global markets, including Asia and the United States.

Roughly 20,000 to 30,000 residents of Plzeň are employed by or economically linked to the company. A senior executive said Škoda Power operates debt-free with an operating profit margin between 10 and 15 percent,:reflecting strong financial and technical fundamentals.

The plant has also served as a local anchor in Korea’s nuclear bid, providing a critical link to the Czech supply chain and enhancing Team Korea’s competitiveness in the race for the new reactor project.