Czech ÚJV Řež and Rolls-Royce SMR to step up cooperation on modular reactors

ÚJV Řež and Rolls-Royce SMR will step up cooperation on deploying small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Czechia and abroad. They have signed an agreement building on their existing contract for the analysis, testing and assessment of critical components. The cooperation will also extend to the construction of Rolls-Royce SMR small modular reactors. ČEZ spokesperson Ladislav Kříž told ČTK today. ČEZ holds an approximately 20% stake in the UK company and is planning to build its first SMR in Czechia next to the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant around the mid-2030s.

"By combining our experience with Rolls-Royce SMR's pioneering technology, we can help place Czech industry at the forefront of the global SMR market and make a significant contribution to our secure energy future," said ÚJV Řež CEO Martin Ruščák.

Under the newly concluded memorandum, the two companies will explore opportunities in a number of technical and regulatory areas, including nuclear safety analysis, design and engineering services, assessment and testing, operational technical support, and licensing requirements specific to Czechia. "Strengthening this partnership not only enhances our own engineering capabilities, but also ensures that we are working with the best in the world as we advance the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR," said Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Technology Officer David Dodd.

The SMR at Temelín will have an electrical capacity of 470 megawatts, equivalent to supplying energy to one million households for at least 60 years.

A technical conference for suppliers was held today, providing representatives of Czech industry with an update on the current status and progress of Rolls-Royce SMR's small modular reactor project. Domestic companies have the opportunity to participate in the construction of small modular reactors both in Czechia and in other global markets.

UK government organisation Great British Nuclear (GBN) has selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred SMR supplier in Britain, creating, among other things, an opportunity to build the first three small modular reactors in Britain.

Modular reactors can be mass-produced in factories and several units can gradually be assembled at a single site. They differ from large nuclear units primarily in their lower capacity and faster, simpler construction.