CEZ to forge strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce for small modular reactors

CEZ, the Czech energy company, is set to form a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce to develop small modular reactors (SMRs). Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced the collaboration following a government meeting, highlighting the opportunity for Czech companies to become integral participants in the global supply chain for these advanced nuclear technologies.

Unlike simply purchasing ready-made SMRs, the Czech Republic aims to play an active role in their global production. “The partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR will enable Czech companies to be involved from the ground up in the creation of the international supply chain,” Fiala said, emphasizing the strategic importance of this move for the country’s energy security and economic development.

Fiala pointed to the development of SMRs as a critical step forward for Czech energy, enhancing both self-sufficiency and security. The first SMR in the Czech Republic could potentially be operational at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant by the early 2030s, he added.

Earlier in September, CEZ announced plans to select a partner for SMR development and operation by the end of this year. The company had been evaluating technology from Westinghouse, GE Hitachi, and Rolls-Royce SMR. This partnership with Rolls-Royce, however, will extend beyond simple technology procurement, involving joint participation in SMR development.

According to CEZ, Rolls-Royce’s SMR design is a pressurized water reactor that incorporates both active and passive safety systems. With a projected electrical output of 470 megawatts and a lifespan of at least 60 years, these reactors are seen as a significant asset for the country’s future energy needs.

CEZ plans to deploy modular reactors with a combined output of three gigawatts by 2050. For comparison, the Czech Republic’s current nuclear power plants in Dukovany and Temelín each produce about two gigawatts of power. The new modular reactors are expected to primarily serve heat supply needs and could be built on the sites of existing coal-fired plants, such as Prunéřov or Dětmarovice.

Modular reactors, which can be mass-produced in factories, are designed for faster and simpler construction compared to traditional large nuclear units. Nuclear experts highlight the flexibility and efficiency of these smaller units, with similar operational characteristics to their larger counterparts but with lower output and reduced construction time.

In August, the Czech government signed a security agreement with CEZ, ensuring state oversight during the selection of a partner for SMR development. This agreement is intended to safeguard national security interests in the selection process, ensuring the government remains informed on key decisions.

Source: CEZ and CTK