In October, Lukáš Vlček became the Minister of Industry and Trade in the Czech Republic. He emphasizes the importance of completing new nuclear units in Dukovany to enhance energy security and self-sufficiency. The project involves selecting a supplier through comprehensive evaluation and aims for extensive Czech company involvement to boost the local economy. The Minister sees Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as crucial for the Czech energy mix, offering economic opportunities and positioning the country as a leader in innovative technologies. The partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR is expected to foster collaboration in science, research, and hydrogen technologies. Furthermore, the Czech Republic plans to build a hydrogen backbone network with NET4GAS, supporting European hydrogen corridors and contributing to decarbonization. The country's involvement in European Projects of Common Interest demonstrates a commitment to advancing hydrogen technologies and achieving seamless hydrogen transport systems. The Minister also stresses the importance of modernizing transmission and distribution systems to ensure energy infrastructure stability amidst increasing renewable energy sources and electricity demand.