Czech Premier Says New Nuclear Reactors Meet Green Party’s Demands

Text of report in English by Czech national public-service news agency CTK

Rez, Central Bohemia, 12 September: New Generation IV nuclear reactors to be developed by the Nuclear Research Institute in Rez should meet the parameters demanded by the Green Party (SZ), Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek (Civic Democrats, ODS) told journalists today.

Topolanek promised support to the projects the Rez institute has been preparing.

The construction and use of Generation IV reactors is planned for the next decades.

Topolanek’s government promised in its written coalition agreement not to extend the nuclear power plant of Temelin, south Bohemia, and not to build any further nuclear or coal plants. The demand was pushed through by the Greens, the smallest party in parliament.

However, the two major parties – the ODS and the opposition Social Democrats (CSSD) – have expressed clear support to nuclear power, pointing out that the country’s energy supplies cannot be secured only by alternative energy resources.

Topolanek called on leaders of the EU countries to use nuclear power in connection with the Russian-Georgian conflict at the Bled Strategic Forum recently organized in Slovenia.

He said today he believes the new reactors meet all parameters not only for the Czech Greens, but also for all “normal people” who want to have energy supplies guaranteed and are concerned about safety.

“These are highly efficient reactors that can guarantee electrical power for further generations,” Topolanek said.

Originally published by CTK news agency, Prague, in English 1046 12 Sep 08.

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