Prague: The Czech antitrust watchdog announced on Thursday that it has rejected complaints from Westinghouse of the United States and EDF of France regarding the Czech government’s decision to select Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) as the preferred bidder for building two nuclear units.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition (UOHS) has temporarily prevented the Czech Republic from finalizing the deal in response to appeals submitted by Westinghouse and EDF. In July, a South Korean consortium led by KHNP was chosen as the preferred bidder, and the consortium has been in negotiations to finalize the contract terms by March. The deal is valued at approximately 24 trillion won (US$18 billion).

Westinghouse raised concerns that KHNP’s nuclear reactors are based on its technology, while EDF sought to ensure the selection process was conducted fairly and transparently. However, the UOHS stated that the proceedings on most aspects of both companies’ proposals were t
erminated, and other parts were rejected.

The UOHS clarified that Westinghouse’s objections concerning the contracting authority’s use of a security exception were dismissed because they were submitted after the March 2022 deadline, with the U.S. company filing the objection in August. Both Westinghouse and EDF also alleged supplier selection violations, but these claims were terminated as they did not adhere to the required public procurement procedures.

The UOHS noted that EDF and Westinghouse have the option to appeal to the chairman. The Czech electricity producer CEZ is prohibited from signing the deal with KHNP until a final decision is rendered in the case.