Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ Group’s subsidiary ÚJV Řež have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration on the deployment of small modular reactor (SMR) technology in the Czech Republic and internationally. This builds on an existing contract for the analysis, testing and evaluation of critical components and will support deeper collaboration on Rolls-Royce SMR’s factory-built nuclear power plant.
Under the MOU, the companies will explore opportunities across a range of technical and regulatory areas, including nuclear safety analysis, design and engineering services, evaluation and testing, technical support to operations, licensing and regulatory requirements specific to the Czech Republic.
“This is an exciting collaboration which enables Rolls-Royce SMR and ÚJV Řež to deepen their understanding of each other’s capabilities and expertise for the successful deployment of Rolls-Royce SMRs in the Czech Republic,” said Rolls-Royce SMR’s Operations and Supply Chain Director, Ruth Todd.
Rolls-Royce SMR’s Engineering Director, David Dodd, said ÚJV Řež is a globally respected provider of technical and scientific services, with over 60 years of experience supporting Europe’s nuclear industry. “Strengthening this partnership not only reinforces our own engineering capabilities but also ensures we’re working with the world’s best as we advance the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMRs.”
ÚJV Řež CEO Martin Ruščák noted: “Deepening our relationship with Rolls-Royce SMR is a valuable opportunity to leverage the decades of nuclear expertise held by ÚJV Řež. By combining our national capabilities with Rolls-Royce SMR’s pioneering technology, we can help position Czech industry at the forefront of the global SMR market and make a meaningful contribution to our energy future.”
Rolls-Royce SMR also hosted a technical conference for suppliers in Prague, with ČEZ saying Czech companies “have a unique opportunity to be at its birth and participate in the construction of small modular reactors both in the Czech Republic and in other world markets”. The event provided Czech industry with an up-to-date view of the progress of the Rolls-Royce SMR project and outlined procurement opportunities in a wide range of areas.
Rolls-Royce SMR is still forming its supply chain, giving Czech companies a unique opportunity to become involved.
Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology has been selected by the Czech Republic to provide up to 3 GWe of capacity with Czech power company ČEZ, which has taken a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR. The SMR is a 470 MWe design based on a small pressurised water reactor. It will provide consistent baseload generation for at least 60 years. Some 90% of the SMR – measuring about 16 metres by 4 metres – will be built in factory conditions, limiting activity on-site to assembly of pre-fabricated, pre-tested, modules. This significantly reduces project risk and has the potential to drastically shorten construction schedules.
