Czech state power company ČEZ has started a preparatory process to enable the long-term operation of the Dukovany nuclear power station.

Dukovany’s four units could run for a total of 80 years, according to deputy prime minister Karel Havlicek, meaning they could operate until around 2065 to 2067, subject to continued investment. Before recent analysis, ČEZ had expected operations to last 60 years.

“Eighty-year operation is starting to become a trend in the world,” ČEZ chief executive officer Daniel Benes said on 9 April at a press briefing alongside Havlicek. “We see this as realistic in our country, assuming regular evaluation of the condition of the facility and safety of operation.”

ČEZ also said it is also analysing the possible longer operation of the two-unit Temelín nuclear power station.