Jul 21, 2025
ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR have signed an agreement for early works at Temelín.

ČEZ from the Czech Republic and Rolls-Royce SMR from the UK have finalized an Early Works Agreement to begin site-specific preparations for possible small modular reactors at the Temelin nuclear power plant.
Last year, ČEZ chose Rolls-Royce SMR as its technology partner for the proposed installation of up to 3 GW of capacity through small modular reactors and also acquired a 20% share in the company.
The goal is to construct the first SMR in the Czech Republic near the existing Temelin plant by the mid-2030s, with plans for deployment at locations of current coal-fired power plants as well.
Tomáš Pleskač, a board member and director at ČEZ, stated that modular reactors present a significant opportunity for the Czech economy and are crucial for the ongoing energy transition. He emphasized that the partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR provides a unique chance for growth and advancement in nuclear energy, aided by their involvement in technology development.
Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, remarked that this agreement represents a major step in their collaboration with ČEZ, reflecting their mutual eagerness to quickly deliver dependable, clean nuclear energy in the Czech Republic. He noted the program's potential to bring substantial industrial and economic advantages to both countries while addressing vital energy security and decarbonization objectives.
The early works will encompass obtaining regulatory approvals and licenses, conducting an environmental impact assessment, preparing the site, and engaging in detailed planning and regulatory discussions.
The Rolls-Royce SMR design is a 470 MWe small pressurized water reactor that is expected to provide stable baseload generation for a minimum of 60 years. About 90% of the SMR, which measures approximately 16 by 4 meters, will be constructed in a factory setting, limiting on-site activity mainly to the assembly of prefabricated, pre-tested modules. This approach significantly mitigates project risk and could dramatically accelerate construction timelines.
Earlier this week, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and the UK signed a memorandum of cooperation on nuclear energy, aiming to enhance business and industrial collaboration between their nations.
Last year, ČEZ chose Rolls-Royce SMR as its technology partner for the proposed installation of up to 3 GW of capacity through small modular reactors and also acquired a 20% share in the company.
The goal is to construct the first SMR in the Czech Republic near the existing Temelin plant by the mid-2030s, with plans for deployment at locations of current coal-fired power plants as well.
Tomáš Pleskač, a board member and director at ČEZ, stated that modular reactors present a significant opportunity for the Czech economy and are crucial for the ongoing energy transition. He emphasized that the partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR provides a unique chance for growth and advancement in nuclear energy, aided by their involvement in technology development.
Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, remarked that this agreement represents a major step in their collaboration with ČEZ, reflecting their mutual eagerness to quickly deliver dependable, clean nuclear energy in the Czech Republic. He noted the program's potential to bring substantial industrial and economic advantages to both countries while addressing vital energy security and decarbonization objectives.
The early works will encompass obtaining regulatory approvals and licenses, conducting an environmental impact assessment, preparing the site, and engaging in detailed planning and regulatory discussions.
The Rolls-Royce SMR design is a 470 MWe small pressurized water reactor that is expected to provide stable baseload generation for a minimum of 60 years. About 90% of the SMR, which measures approximately 16 by 4 meters, will be constructed in a factory setting, limiting on-site activity mainly to the assembly of prefabricated, pre-tested modules. This approach significantly mitigates project risk and could dramatically accelerate construction timelines.
Earlier this week, the prime ministers of the Czech Republic and the UK signed a memorandum of cooperation on nuclear energy, aiming to enhance business and industrial collaboration between their nations.