Martin Rušcák, left, Ruth Todd, centre, and Blanka Cupáková, SMR Supply Chain Expert, CEZ
The agreement focuses on collaboration in nuclear safety analysis, design and engineering services, component testing and evaluation, operational support, and addressing Czech-specific licensing requirements.
Rolls-Royce SMR's 470 MWe pressurised water reactor design has been selected by the Czech Republic to supply up to 3 GW of new nuclear capacity. State-owned utility ?EZ, which holds an 80% stake in ÚJV ?e? and a 20% interest in Rolls-Royce SMR, is leading the national programme.
ÚJV ?e? Director General Martin Ruš?ák stated:"Deepening our relationship with Rolls-Royce SMR is a valuable opportunity to leverage decades of nuclear expertise at ÚJV ?e?. By combining our experience with Rolls-Royce SMR's pioneering technology, we can help position the Czech industry at the forefront of the global SMR market and significantly contribute to our secure energy future."
Rolls-Royce SMR Technical Director David Dodd commented: "ÚJV ?e? is a globally recognised provider of technical and scientific services with over 60 years of experience supporting the European nuclear industry. Strengthening this partnership not only solidifies our own engineering capabilities, but also ensures that we are working with the best in the world in developing the Rolls-Royce SMR deployment."
The Rolls-Royce SMR is a factory-built, modular 470 MWe unit designed for at least 60 years of baseload operation. Approximately 90% of the plant is manufactured off-site in controlled conditions, enabling faster construction and reduced project risk through pre-tested modules that are assembled on location.
In addition to the Czech programme, the same design has been chosen for the United Kingdom’s domestic SMR initiative. The new agreement builds on existing contracts between ÚJV ?e? and Rolls-Royce SMR for component analysis and testing, while a recent supplier conference hosted in Prague highlighted opportunities for Czech companies to participate in both domestic and international SMR projects.
