Last week, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT) officially informed the Czech government about recent developments. ČEZ Group aims to collaborate with Rolls-Royce SMR on developing and constructing small modular reactors (SMRs) and seeks to establish a strategic partnership with the company. The UK-based company intends to launch its first SMR in the UK in the early 2030s

This is coming a few days after ČEZ's announcement that it will select a partner for the development and operation of modular reactors in the Czech Republic by the end of this year. The decision was made between American companies Westinghouse, GE Hitachi and British Rolls-Royce SMR.

"Small modular reactors can be a key technology for ensuring our future energy security. That's why we have, from the beginning, been working towards not only building them, but also towards participating in their global development and production. The strategic partnership between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will be a great opportunity for Czech companies, with their long-standing experience in the nuclear industry," said Prime Minister Petr Fiala.

According to ČEZ, the small modular reactor from Rolls-Royce SMR is a pressurized water reactor that uses both active and passive safety features. Its electrical output is expected to be 470 megawatts, and the reactor's lifetime is expected to be at least 60 years. ČEZ plans to build modular reactors with a combined capacity of three gigawatts by 2050. The current Czech conventional power plants at Dukovany and Temelin have a capacity of about two gigawatts each. According to ČEZ's earlier statement, the modular reactors would be used primarily for heat supply and would be built on the site of existing coal-fired power plants in Prunéřov or Dětmarovice.

This cooperation opens a field of opportunities for Czech companies to participate in the development of this type of nuclear power source and to join the global supply chain. Additionally, this cooperation could be crucial for the energy transformation of the Czech Republic towards clean energy sources.

Sources: ČTK, Ministry of Industry and Trade

Prepared by the CzechTrade United Kingdom and Ireland team.