UK-based Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Škoda JS, part of the Czech Republic’s ČEZ Group, to explore the production of key components for a global fleet of small modular reactors (SMRs). In October 2024, Rolls-Royce SMR was selected by ČEZ to deploy up to 3 GWe in the Czech Republic.
In July ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR signed an Early Works Agreement (EWA) in order to start preparations for construction of the first SMR in the Czech Republic. The EWA builds on the recent signing by the UK and the Czech Republic of a five-year memorandum of understanding to accelerate co-operation on SMRs. Earlier this year, ČEZ acquired a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR in the form of a capital input.
The Rolls-Royce SMR design is a three loop PWR with an output of 470 MWe derived from 1,358 MWt. The Rolls-Royce SMR concept is centred on modularisation of reliable and proven technology, allowing maximum use of the factory environment to combine standard components with advanced manufacturing techniques. The factory-built modularisation approach is expected to drastically reduce the amount of on-site construction while its compact footprint and modular design means it can be located alongside energy intensive industrial processes.
Ruth Todd, Rolls-Royce SMR’s Operations & Supply Chain Director, said: “This agreement is another important stride towards building and operating our SMRs in the Czech Republic and demonstrates our commitment to provide local opportunities to the Czech supply chain. Starting collaboration now will help Škoda JS supply its products to the required high standards and allow us to deliver this transformational opportunity together.”
Silvana Jirotková, Director of the SMR Development Department at ČEZ, said the memorandum between Škoda JS and Rolls-Royce SMR is a significant step in preparing the first Czech small modular reactor. “From the beginning, we have emphasised that involving Czech industry in the development and construction of new nuclear sources is our priority, and the cooperation between the British SMR developer and this traditional Pilsen-based company is proof of that.”
Škoda JS CEO František Krček noted: “We are ready, and we have the significant support of our owner (ČEZ) to invest further significant resources in the development of the SMR industry. We also want to involve our engineering capacities in this project in addition to our production capacities.”
Separately, Rolls-Royce SMR also signed a contract with ÚJV Řež for the analysis, testing, and evaluation of critical SMR components. Based in the Czech Republic, ÚJV Řež is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of technical and scientific services and has been serving Europe’s industry for more than 60 years.
The Rolls-Royce SMR is the UK’s first domestic nuclear technology in more than 20 years – providing a British solution to a global energy dilemma. Each small modular reactor will produce enough stable, affordable, emission-free energy to power a million homes for at least 60 years.
