Temelín Small Modular Reactor Project Advances to Next Phase

“ČEZ’s cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the nuclear power industry, including through our participation in the technology’s development. The Czech Republic and Czech industry can use and further deepen its traditional nuclear know-how thanks to the small modular reactors project. We are counting on small modular reactors alongside large nuclear power plants and renewables. The contract between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will ensure the preparation of design, technical and licensing documentation necessary for the issuance of the necessary permits for the construction of the SMR in Temelín. Equally important is the memorandum of understanding with the government. Government support is essential for such a large project, just as it is for the construction of the new nuclear units at Dukovany. Together, we will address, among other things, the investor model and possible sources of financing,” said Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO of ČEZ.

Thanks to the early works contract between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR, it is possible to start work on the documentation and source materials for the licensing and permitting processes for the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) at Temelín. It is an engineering contract and does not include any equipment deliveries. It is therefore not an investment decision or the start of construction. The preparatory work will include documentation for the environmental impact assessment, documents for nuclear and construction licensing procedures and related design work at Temelín itself. The contract follows the signing of an agreement for the supply of the first three small modular reactors from Rolls-Royce SMR at the British Wylfa site and the existing cooperation between the two companies.

ČEZ also signed a memorandum on SMRs with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic. Based on this memorandum, a working group will be set up to address, among other things, the investor model and possible sources of financing, setting up the process of notification for the European Commission, as well as further continuation of intergovernmental cooperation between the Czech Republic and Great Britain for the successful construction of SMRs in both countries. Members of the group will also work on regulatory and legislative support and preparation of conditions for the construction of SMRs in the Czech Republic.

“This contract commences a significant project at the Temelín site, which we will implement together with our strategic partner and shareholder, ČEZ Group. Today’s signing and previous contracts in both the UK and the Czech Republic mean that Rolls-Royce SMR is now the only company in Europe with contracts to supply small modular reactors. The Czech Republic has a long nuclear tradition and a highly developed industrial base. By linking the Czech and British supply chains, we are creating the conditions for the successful implementation of this programme. A ’Europe first’ approach will ensure that the greatest economic benefits from these projects remain in the countries that deploy them first – the UK and the Czech Republic,” said Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton.

Small modular reactors are one of the pillars of ČEZ’s long-term strategy and the modern energy sector in the Czech Republic. They are an essential part of the Czech energy mix and will stand alongside large nuclear units and renewable sources. The first small modular reactor is to be built next to the current nuclear power plant in Temelín.

ČEZ is also developing a project in Tušimice on the site of a current coal-fired power plant, and is examining other sites. Current coal-fired power plant sites appear to be suitable in the long term, as an SMR will not only generate electricity, but also provide a reliable source of heat for the surrounding towns.

ČEZ entered into a strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR in 2024. It is directly involved in the development and preparation of small modular reactor technology. ČEZ became a significant minority shareholder in the British company, acquiring approximately 20% of its shares. It is therefore a strategic investor with significant rights in the company.

Each Rolls-Royce SMR power plant will produce 470 MWe of stable, affordable and emission-free electricity. This is enough to cover the consumption of one million households for at least 60 years. Small modular reactors will be part of the Czech Republic’s future energy mix, alongside large nuclear, gas-fired and renewable resources.

Rolls-Royce SMR’s first small modular reactor is to be built in Great Britain at the Wylfa site on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. It is a traditional nuclear site where a nuclear power plant operated in the past. The site selection has been confirmed by a UK government organisation, Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N), which last year selected Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred supplier of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Great Britain. In April, Rolls-Royce SMR received a contractual guarantee from the British government to build the first units.