PRAGUE (AP) — Czech Republic’s leading electricity provider ČEZ announced Friday it has entered into an agreement with British company Rolls-Royce SMR for preliminary development of the country’s inaugural small modular nuclear reactor.
According to ČEZ chief executive Daniel Beneš, the collaboration will focus on creating project blueprints and obtaining the regulatory documentation required for construction permits.
Beneš expressed optimism that all necessary governmental approvals will be secured by 2030. Construction of the compact nuclear facility is planned for the location where the current Temelín nuclear power station operates.
Earlier this year on April 13, Great Britain Energy – Nuclear, a governmental organization, entered into an agreement with Rolls-Royce SMR to initiate design development for Britain’s first small nuclear reactors.
According to Beneš, the Czech facility will represent the British company’s second small nuclear reactor project, following completion of their initial installation in the United Kingdom.
ČEZ maintains a 20% ownership stake in Rolls-Royce SMR, and the two companies previously established a strategic alliance aimed at developing up to 3 gigawatts of energy capacity within Czech borders.
The Czech government controls nearly 70% of ČEZ shares and is working toward complete ownership of the utility company.
Small modular reactors represent a nuclear technology designed to produce less electricity than conventional large-scale reactors. Proponents argue these compact units can be constructed more quickly and economically than traditional nuclear facilities, with flexibility to match specific regional energy demands.
