Prague initially launched a tender worth billions of dollars in 2022 for one new reactor.

But it later sought bids for a total of four new units: two each at the Soviet-built Temelin and Dukovany power stations.

"We will now evaluate the bids and... submit a report to the... government for final approval," said CEZ board member Tomas Pleskac.

The contracts should be ready for signing by the end of next March, CEZ said, adding that the first reactor is due to be launched in 2036.

EDF Group chairman and chief executive Luc Remont said his company's EPR 1200 reactors were "the best technology with the best long-term benefits for the Czech industry and economy".

EDF has lobbied hard for the contracts and French President Emmanuel Macron visited Prague last month.

But EDF has had trouble with delivering on time and budget the original version of the reactor, and recently announced a significant delay and additional costs for two EPR reactors for the Hinkley Point nuclear plant in Britain.

KHNP chief executive Jooho Whang said his company would deliver its APR1000 reactors on time and at the agreed price, citing "successful projects in Korea and the United Arab Emirates".

"We believe that KHNP is the best option for the Czech Republic in terms of timely completion of the first reactor by 2036 and energy security," he added.

CEZ currently runs six nuclear units at the two plants located in the south of the country, which last year accounted for about 40 percent of national electricity output.

The Czech government aims to raise energy production significantly while phasing out high-emission and obsolete units.

The government earlier eliminated US giant Westinghouse from the tender over flaws in its offer and Russia's Rosatom and China's CGN on security concerns.

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EDF

CEZ

TOSHIBA

CGN Power