Rolls-Royce SMR to start works with ČEZ on small modular reactors

Rolls-Royce SMR and Czech utility ČEZ have signed an early works agreement. It paves the way for site-specific work on their small modular reactor project at the Temelín nuclear power plant.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala have signed a deal to work together to seize SMR export opportunities, support highly skilled jobs, boost economic growth and deliver clean, homegrown energy in both countries. It was followed by an early works agreement between Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ as a step forward in their strategic partnership for up to 3 GW of low-carbon energy in the Czech Republic.

ČEZ has acquired 20% of Rolls-Royce SMR

The two companies said that now they can launch site-specific work on their small modular reactor project at the Temelín nuclear power plant. Last year ČEZ selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred SMR technology partner and agreed to purchase 20% of the company based in the United Kingdom. After that, they declared the transaction complete in early March.

“We are proud to be working alongside ČEZ to deliver a programme that will bring significant industrial and economic benefits to both our nations, while helping to meet critical energy security and decarbonisation goals,” Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce SMR Chris Cholerton said.

Czech Republic’s first SMR to be deployed in mid-2030s

ČEZ will closely cooperate with Rolls-Royce SMR on preparing the construction of the country’s first small modular reactor, expected to be built at the site of the Temelín nuclear power plant in the mid-2030s, according to the Czech utility’s board member Tomáš Pleskač, who is at the helm of its New Energy Division.

Modular reactors represent a significant opportunity for the country’s economy and are an essential part of the ongoing energy transformation, he added and stressed that the cooperation offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy.

Additional opportunities at ČEZ’s Tušimice nuclear plant

The activities would initially be focused on the site of ČEZ’s Temelín nuclear plant in the South Bohemian region, the update reveals. The companies pointed to additional deployment opportunities at the location of ČEZ’s Tušimice nuclear plant, in the Ústí nad Labem region.

The early works would include regulatory approvals and licensing and environmental assessments. Rolls-Royce SMR is designing units of 470 MW, set to operate for 60 years.

Temelín is near the city of České Budějovice. It is the largest power station in Czechia, housing two VVER 1000 reactors.