Support for the development of nuclear energy is reaching historic highs in the Czech Republic, with 71% of adults favoring this energy source, according to recent findings from the research agency IBRS for Czech utility ČEZ. This increase reflects heightened public interest compared to previous surveys, approaching record levels seen during the energy crisis of autumn 2022. More significantly, over half of the respondents—56%—believe a combination of nuclear and renewable energy sources offers the most suitable long-term solution for the nation's energy needs.
Public sentiment is shifting, as many individuals now view nuclear energy and renewables as complementing one another rather than competing alternatives. "Nuclear energy and renewables are not seen as competing alternatives but as mutually reinforcing pillars of modern and clean energy," stated Milos Rybacek, the managing director at IBRS. This opinion aligns with the overarching trend toward energy stability, which is being built on trust and long-term strategies such as constructing new nuclear units alongside the expansion of renewable energy initiatives.
Notably, the survey revealed heightened awareness among the public, with 41% indicating they knew about South Korea's Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) winning the tender to build new reactor units at the Dukovany nuclear power station, and most respondents viewing this development positively. There has also been a gradual decline in concern about the impact of the war in Ukraine on the Czech energy sector: 59% of participants now believe the conflict still affects the country's energy self-sufficiency, down six percentage points since spring 2024.
Currently, the Czech Republic operates six commercially viable reactor units, consisting of four Russia-designed VVER-440 models at Dukovany and two larger VVER-1000 models at Temelín. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, these six reactors supplied approximately 40% of the nation’s electricity production by 2023. Looking to the future, ČEZ has selected KHNP to construct two new pressurized water reactor units at Dukovany, with plans for deployment expected during the second half of the 2030s.
Meanwhile, Russia is actively enhancing its presence on the global nuclear stage, constructing over 10 nuclear power units abroad to cater to increasing energy demand spurred by factors such as artificial intelligence growth and the rise of developing markets. Boris Titov, representing the Russian government, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy, stating, "We are building more than 10 different units around the world. We need a lot of energy. We will not be able to provide this energy without using… nuclear." This expansion is part of Russia's strategy to boost its global influence and meet the persistent demand for cleaner energy sources from developing countries.
Russia's nuclear portfolio now encompasses projects across 54 countries, including reactor construction and fuel supply. Significant efforts are underway to establish nuclear plants in various locations, including Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, and Türkiye. Adding to this, the Russian Federation is planning to build small modular reactor facilities in Uzbekistan and has signed agreements with Burkina Faso's ruling junta as of 2023, underscoring its ambitions to cater to growing global energy needs.
Despite efforts by Washington and the EU to reduce dependence on Russian nuclear fuel, countries like Hungary and Slovakia remain resistant to sanctions on this front. While Eastern European nations have pivoted toward contracts for fuel supplied by the American firm Westinghouse following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the nuclear energy sector continues to be pivotal, especially for countries assessing their energy independence and future strategies.
By examining these developments, it's clear nuclear energy is not merely surviving but thriving, poised to play a significant role across various landscapes—from enhancing energy independence and stability to contributing to cleaner energy solutions worldwide. The integration of nuclear technology alongside renewable energy sources presents not only avenues for energy diversification but also opportunities for countries to showcase technological advancements and energy security strategies.
With rising public support for nuclear expansions signifying renewed confidence and demand for reliable energy sources, both the Czech Republic and Russia exemplify the significant role nuclear energy will continue to play on the global stage. These developments highlight the importance of balancing traditional and renewable resources to meet contemporary energy challenges and propel countries toward sustainable energy futures.
