The Soviet-designed power plant, about 60 kilometres (40 miles) from the Austrian border, was initially conceived for four reactors but later scaled back to the current two following the fall of the communist regime in 1989.

"Construction of a third nuclear plant in the Czech Republic is not on the agenda. But what is on the agenda is the completion of Temelin," Civic Democrat industry minister Martin Riman said in an interview with the business daily Hospodarske Noviny on Monday.

In spite of the addition of western security and safety systems, Temelin has been the focus of strong protests from the Austrian government and environmentalists before and after its official entry in service in 2000. They question its safety record and highlight its risk.

A decision to expand Temelin is likely to ramp up tension between the two neighbours and EU countries.

Riman downplayed the likelihood of such a reaction. "I have the impression that feelings towards nuclear power are changing across all of Europe. Consumption of electricity will increase. If Europe is not prepared she will cry bitterly," Riman told the paper.

Temelin is operated by 67-percent state owned electricity operator CEZ. The company is currently weighing up its options for boosting its existing electricity production capacity with a decision expected by the end of the year, company managers told AFP in August.

They said at the time they were still waiting for a clear signal about the evolution of the EU's emissions trading programme and future EU support for nuclear power.

The right wing government of Civic Democrat leader Mirek Topolanek officially took office on September 4 but is still waiting to win a vote of confidence in the 200-seat lower house of parliament, where right and left wing factions each command 100 votes.

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