The Czech energy landscape is poised for a significant transformation as ČEZ, the country’s leading energy company, advances its plans for small modular nuclear reactors. The company has initiated environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures for a new nuclear facility in Tušimice, Northern Bohemia.
The ambitious project envisions a power plant equipped with three small modular reactors, each boasting a capacity of 470 MW. In partnership with British manufacturer Rolls-Royce SMR, in which ČEZ has invested billions of Czech crowns, the project represents a significant step forward in nuclear energy innovation.
What sets these modular reactors apart is their unique construction approach. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, these units will be manufactured in factory settings, enabling mass production before being transported to their final destination. The reactors are designed to operate for at least 60 years, offering a cost-effective solution comparable to conventional nuclear facilities.
According to optimistic projections, construction could commence in 2034, with operations beginning four years later. Notably, the first modular reactor is scheduled to be installed at the Temelín nuclear power plant even earlier.
One particularly innovative aspect of this technology is its ability to repurpose former coal power plant sites, as demonstrated by the Tušimice location. However, it’s worth noting that while promising, this technology remains untested in real-world conditions, with development still ongoing.
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Source: Czech Daily