Stammtisch
Thursday, February 10, 2022
On Thursday, 10 February 2022, the Association for Foreign Investment (AFI) held this year’s first Stammtisch meeting at the restaurant V Zátiší. The main guest of the evening was Petr Závodský, General Manager and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elektrárna Dukovany II a.s. Thanks to the topical issue of the completion of the Dukovany II nuclear power plant, the event was well attended by guests from the ranks of honorary members of the AFI and top representatives of AFI member companies. Representatives of AFI partner organisations Česká spořitelna and CzechInvest were also in attendance.
At the beginning of the meeting, Petr Závodský emphasised the importance of new sources of nuclear power and the planned construction of the Dukovany II power plant. The significance of new sources of nuclear power will increase due both to the decommissioning of coal-fired capacities and rising consumption. In fact, ČEZ is gradually bringing the operation of coal-fired power plants to an end and plans to phase out coal by 2038 in accordance with the Coal Commission’s recommendation. Petr Závodský also stated that in order to achieve decarbonisation, it is necessary to switch to zero-emission sources of electricity. The construction of the Dukovany II power plant plays a key role. The reasons for this are indisputably the emerging issue of decarbonisation and the planned closure of the Dukovany nuclear power plant, as well as the aforementioned increase in consumption. Construction of the new Dukovany II power plant is in the phase of contractor selection and the actual start of trial operation is planned for 2038.
Martin Dittrich, member of the AFI’s Steering Committee, stated: “Nuclear energy will undoubtedly continue to be a significant part of the Czech Republic's energy mix in the future and, alongside renewable sources, will contribute to the Czech energy sector’ transition to zero-emission power generation. Investments in new nuclear units will also bring forth a number of multiplier effects and significant opportunities for Czech and foreign suppliers. The chosen supply model for the new Dukovany nuclear power plant will allow ČEZ to have sufficient control over the project, influence its progress and have a high degree of influence on the entire supply chain.”
The discussion, which was moderated by AFI Chairman Kamil Blažek, was enriched by another important guest, Tomáš Ehler, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade for the Nuclear Energy Section. In addition to his remarks on the completion of nuclear generating capacity, he emphasised, for example, the importance of supporting high-quality job candidates, of which there is currently a shortage on the Czech labour market.
We would like to thank our guests for accepting our invitation, all of the participants for their presence and our supporting partner V Zátiší for the great hospitality and service. We are already looking forward to the upcoming formal and informal events that we have ahead of us this year!
