South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has won the tender to build the two-unit Dukovany II nuclear power plant. However, the joy was short-lived. US-based Westinghouse is challenging the South Korean company’s right to build reactors in US courts, the technology for which was originally American.

“Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has been selected for a 24 trillion won ($18 billion) Czech nuclear project, but the subsequent process is facing delays due to objections from the United States. Despite high hopes for the record-breaking contract, US-based Westinghouse Electric is blocking progress, arguing that the Korean reactor infringes on its patented technology. Negotiations between South Korea and the US have stalled. Under the guidelines of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), established in 1978, South Korea must obtain Westinghouse’s consent to export nuclear reactors. In 2009, a deal was made in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to build the Barakah plant, but now Westinghouse has raised intellectual property concerns about the Czech project and is refusing to give its consent. The US Department of Energy (DOE) has refused to participate, saying the dispute is a matter between KHNP and Westinghouse,” writes South Korea’s The Chosun Daily.