The Czech utility company ČEZ recently signed an early works contract with Rolls-Royce SMR to move forward with developing a small modular reactor at the Temelín facility. While this agreement outlines the initial steps for site preparation, it is strictly a preparatory measure rather than a final investment decision or a signal to begin construction. Following up on recent geological evaluations, this early works contract allows the organizations to begin drafting essential documents for licensing, environmental impact assessments, preliminary designs, and necessary nuclear and building permits, without including any equipment purchases.
At the same time, ČEZ established a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to evaluate potential investment models. This secondary agreement creates a specific working group designed to figure out funding mechanisms, foster cooperation between the governments of the UK and the Czech Republic, and ensure the project aligns with current legislative and regulatory standards.
Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČEZ, which holds a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR, said: “ČEZ’s cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our participation in the development of the technology. Thanks to the small modular reactor project, the Czech Republic and Czech industry can use and further deepen their traditional nuclear know-how. We are counting on small modular reactors alongside large nuclear power plants and renewable sources … equally important is the memorandum concluded with the state. State support is essential for such a large project, similar to the construction of new nuclear sources in Dukovany.”
Government representatives have also emphasized the broader strategic significance of the early works contract signing.
Karel Havlíček, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of Czech Republic, said: “The Czech Republic must build its energy future on stable, safe and emission-free sources that will ensure affordable energy prices and the long-term competitiveness of the industry. Small modular reactors represent a technological opportunity with a European impact and at the same time a chance for Czech companies and research to join the top of the global nuclear industry.”
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, added: “This important contract unlocks a significant programme of work at the Temelín site, which will be delivered alongside our strategic partner and shareholder, ČEZ … with contractual commitments now in place in both the UK and Czechia, Rolls-Royce SMR becomes the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe.”
Recently Rolls Royce-SMR formalised a contract with Great British Energy-Nuclear for the deployment of UK’s first SMR technology.
