Czechia set to become an SMR leader: Havlíček sees major opportunity for industry
Dozens to hundreds of Czech companies could take part in the development and construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). They could thus participate in dozens of projects across Europe. More than 60 domestic companies have so far expressed interest, including firms from engineering, technical services and design. Industry Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) and representatives of the Chamber of Commerce said this at a press conference today. The first reactor in the Czech Republic is being prepared at Temelín, while an agreement to launch another project in Dětmarovice is due to be signed in the summer, according to Havlíček.
Czech energy company ČEZ, in cooperation with Britain's Rolls-Royce SMR, in which the Czech company holds a stake of around one-fifth, plans to build up to three gigawatts of small modular reactors in the Czech Republic. According to ČEZ, the first Czech SMR should be built at the Temelín site in the first half of the 2030s. However, the first reactor on which the two companies will cooperate will be built at the Wylfa site in Britain.
According to Havlíček, cooperation between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR could make Czechia one of the leaders in modular reactors. "Our priority is for Czech companies to become a firm part of this technology's global supply chain and to be able to seize the opportunities its development will bring in Europe and around the world," he said.
According to ČEZ, preparations for the first reactor at Temelín have already begun. The next project should be in Dětmarovice in the Karviná region, followed by Tušimice. According to Havlíček, further sites are also planned.
Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ today, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the Czech Energy Association, presented potential participants with the timetable for the entire project and the terms of possible cooperation. More than 60 companies attended the meeting. "We want them to receive information on upcoming tenders and supplier requirements as early as possible, so they can prepare in time," said Zuzana Krejčiříková, vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce.
According to Josef Kotrba, executive director of the Czech Energy Association, Czech industry has a significant competitive advantage in the project. "This is a major opportunity for Czech companies with decades of experience in nuclear energy, engineering, the production of technology systems and highly specialised components. It is good that we are reaching a stage where, from a business perspective, we are discussing specific terms and products that will be needed to deliver SMRs," Kotrba said.
President Petr Pavel will discuss preparations for a modular reactor in Czechia with ČEZ chief executive Daniel Beneš on Monday. Other topics of their meeting will include the expansion of the Dukovany nuclear power plant and planned changes to ČEZ's ownership structure.
Modular reactors can be mass-produced in factories, with multiple units then gradually concentrated at a single location. According to nuclear energy experts, they differ from large nuclear units mainly in their lower output and faster, simpler construction. Their operation, on the other hand, could be similar.
