Rolls-Royce small modular reactor design chosen for Czech nuclear plants

Czech Republic and utility company ČEZ are launching preparatory works for the construction of SMRs, while Rolls-Royce hopes to deploy its first SMR in the UK in the early 2030s.

ČEZ assessed information from seven bidders and selected Rolls-Royce as its preferred candidate, subject to a security assessment.

The utility company plans to build its first modular reactor near the Temelín nuclear power plant in South Bohemia. It should be built in the first half of the 2030s before the launch of the new large Czech nuclear unit, which is planned for 2040.

It is also exploring other locations that may be suitable for SMRs. These include the sites in Tušimice and Dětmarovice.

The Czech Republic hopes that SMRs will replace aging coal-fired power plants that are due to be phased out.

Daniel Beneš, CEO of ČEZ said, “The strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR will allow us to make use of our long-standing experience in the field of nuclear power and the high technological maturity of the British company,” adding that ČEZ would now negotiate the specific form of cooperation with its counterpart.