First modular reactor in Czechia set for Temelín as ČEZ concludes key agreement

Representatives of energy group ČEZ have concluded a contract for preparatory work with UK company Rolls-Royce SMR on the development of small modular reactors. The agreement is intended to establish the investment model and financing for the projects. The first modular reactor in Czechia is expected to be built at Temelín. One is expected to be built in the UK before that. In future, the cooperation could also lead to the development of further projects. The state also signed a memorandum with ČEZ today on cooperation in the development of modular reactors in the Czech Republic. They are intended to operate alongside large nuclear units, gas-fired power plants and renewable energy sources.

The agreements were signed at the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Attendees included representatives of ČEZ and Rolls-Royce, Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček (ANO), UK Trade Secretary Peter Kyle, South Bohemian Region Governor Martin Kuba (Our Czechia), and British Ambassador Matt Field.

"We are prepared to secure financial instruments as well so that a small modular reactor — or rather, reactors — can be built here. Next year, we will decide on continuing the nuclear programme at Temelín and will make logistical preparations for what we will build there. But small modular reactors do not end with the Czech Republic. Together with the United Kingdom and Rolls-Royce, in cooperation with ČEZ, we want to conquer Europe," Havlíček said.

The Temelín small modular reactor will be Rolls-Royce SMR's second project worldwide. The first will be built at the Wylfa site in the United Kingdom. Small modular reactors (SMRs) can be mass-produced in factories and gradually clustered in multiple units at a single site.

Rolls-Royce SMR last week signed an agreement with UK government organisation Great British Energy - Nuclear to build the first small modular reactors in Europe. The contract enables work to begin immediately on the delivery of three reactors.

ČEZ plans to build modular reactors with a combined capacity of three gigawatts by 2050. The existing Dukovany and Temelín power plants each have a capacity of around two gigawatts.

ČEZ Group last year completed its equity investment in the UK company, in which it now holds a stake of around one-fifth. It paid around six billion koruna for the stake. The state currently holds around two-thirds of the shares in energy group ČEZ. ČEZ previously said it plans to build modular reactors with a combined capacity of three gigawatts by 2050. The existing Dukovany and Temelín power plants each have a capacity of around two gigawatts.