Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ to begin work at Temelín site

Rolls-Royce SMR and Czech utility ČEZ have signed an early works agreement which will allow both parties to launch works at the Temelín site.

The agreement will enable the commencement of site-specific activities at the Temelín site in the South Bohemian Region in the Czech Republic, currently home to the existing Temelín Nuclear Power Station, operated by ČEZ.

These early works will include regulatory approvals and licensing, environmental assessments, and preparatory site work at Temelín.

This agreement follows the signing of a commitment by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala to collaborate on developing the SMR supply chain.

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Tomáš Pleskač, a member of the Board and director of the New Energy Division at ČEZ, said: “We will closely cooperate with Rolls-Royce SMR on preparing the construction of the first small modular reactor in the Czech Republic, which is expected to be built in the Temelín locality in the mid-2030s.

“Modular reactors represent a significant opportunity for the Czech economy and are an essential part of the ongoing energy transformation. The cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR, which we established this year, offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our participation in the technology development.”

Each Rolls-Royce SMR will generate 470MW of electricity and is designed to operate for at least 60 years.

While initial deployment is planned for the Temelín site, ČEZ is also exploring opportunities to deploy SMRs at Tušimice in the Ústí nad Labem Region.

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: "This agreement is an important step forward in our partnership with ČEZ, demonstrating our shared ambition to move at pace to deliver reliable, clean nuclear power in the Czech Republic. We are proud to be working alongside ČEZ to deliver a programme that will bring significant industrial and economic benefits to both our nations, while helping to meet critical energy security and decarbonisation goals."

ČEZ selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred SMR technology partner to provide up to 3GW of low-carbon energy for Czech Republic.