Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala (Civic Democratic Party) announced that Czechia and the United Kingdom have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy.

Following talks in London with his British counterpart, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Fiala stated that British company Rolls-Royce SMR is considering establishing a factory for small modular reactors (SMRs) in Czechia, marking a potential milestone in the country’s nuclear energy development (Radio Prague International).

The MoU builds on a joint ministerial declaration signed in November 2023 and significantly expands bilateral efforts in areas such as nuclear power plant development, education, research and development, and the promotion of industrial partnerships.

The agreement covers both large-scale nuclear projects and small modular reactors (SMRs), with a shared goal of fostering innovation and involving Czech and British companies in projects in both countries.

As part of this initiative, the MoU could lead to the establishment of a specialised nuclear training centre in Czechia, aimed at supporting workforce development in the sector.

British company Rolls-Royce SMR, selected by the UK government to supply its future SMR fleet, is exploring the possibility of building a factory in Czechia for the production of SMR modules. The company’s connection to Czechia was further strengthened last year when ČEZ Group became a strategic investor, acquiring a roughly 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR (Ministry of Industry and Trade).

Sources:

Radio Prague International, https://english.radio.cz/czechia-signs-nuclear-energy-memorandum-britain-8856922

Mininstry of Industry and Trade, https://mpo.gov.cz/en/energy/nuclear-energy/small-modular-reactors/memorandum-of-understanding-between-czech-republic-and-united-kingdom-to-increase-cooperation-in-nuclear-energy--288625/