Czech power company CEZ has entered into a strategic partnership with Britain’s Rolls-Royce SMR to develop and deploy small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs), with plans to construct the first reactor at the existing Temelin nuclear plant in the early 2030s.
As part of the agreement, CEZ will acquire a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR, investing several billion Czech crowns—equivalent to hundreds of millions of euros. This collaboration aims to install up to 3 GW of energy capacity in the Czech Republic, and CEZ will also engage in additional projects with Rolls-Royce SMR across Europe and globally. Notably, the Czech state holds nearly a 70% stake in CEZ.
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala emphasized the significance of this partnership for the energy security of the Czech Republic, stating that it represents a crucial step forward.
The planned power plant utilizing a Rolls-Royce SMR is expected to generate 470 MW of electricity for a lifespan of 60 years, according to CEZ. Small modular reactors, which can produce about one-third of the power generated by traditional reactors, are designed to be constructed more quickly and cost-effectively, adapting to the specific energy needs of different locations.
Currently, the Czech Republic relies on six nuclear reactors for over a third of its electricity. The country has committed to phasing out coal power by 2033 to reduce carbon emissions, with a focus on increasing reliance on nuclear energy and renewable resources.
Additionally, CEZ is expected to finalize a contract by March with South Korea’s KHNP to build at least two nuclear reactors in the Czech Republic.