Škoda JS and Doosan Enerbility secure important work from Rolls-Royce SMR.

Rolls-Royce SMR has chosen Škoda JS and Doosan Enerbility to handle pre-production tasks for vital components, such as the reactor pressure vessel, for its small modular reactor initiative.

The collaboration with the Czech and South Korean firms will involve "early supplier engagement, design finalization, and manufacturing readiness to facilitate the earliest possible delivery of power."

Ruth Todd, Operations and Supply Chain Director at Rolls-Royce SMR, stated, "These items are among the most crucial long-lead components in constructing a nuclear plant. Establishing strategic partnerships now allows for these essential components to be designed for production, minimizing project risks and ensuring timely delivery."

"A dual-supply strategy enhances Rolls-Royce SMR's supply chain and guarantees delivery reliability. Both Škoda JS and Doosan Enerbility have extensive histories of supplying critical nuclear island components, including reactor pressure vessels and other essential equipment for nuclear power stations worldwide."

The initial two projects featuring Rolls-Royce SMRs are planned for Wylfa in North Wales, UK, and Temelin in the Czech Republic. ČEZ is also exploring projects at existing coal-fired power plants and evaluating other potential sites.

Rolls-Royce SMR emphasized its commitment to maximizing local sourcing for its clients in the UK and Czech Republic. Significant supply chains will be established to manage this vital work, and Rolls-Royce SMR is proactively connecting potential suppliers with opportunities, including the provision of forgings.

Škoda JS is a subsidiary of Czech nuclear operator ČEZ, which holds a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR. Tomáš Pleskač from the ČEZ board remarked, "The reactor set, including the reactor pressure vessel, is a crucial component of a nuclear power plant. Škoda JS, based in Plzeň, has extensive experience in producing these components. The order from Rolls-Royce SMR will enhance its nuclear expertise and bolster its position in the global market. This supplier selection follows a recent engineering contract between Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ."

Karel Bednář, Chairman and CEO of Škoda JS, commented, "This marks a significant transition. Our company, as a purely Czech manufacturer competing on a global scale, is now part of the rapidly expanding nuclear energy supply chain and will play a vital role in SMR projects beyond the Czech Republic. This represents a prestigious opportunity for our team and validates our capability to collaborate on the development and production of the reactor and other SMR components for Rolls-Royce, specifically regarding reactor pressure vessels, internal parts, the reactor lid, volume compensators, and other heavy components."

According to the Korea Herald, Doosan Enerbility noted that the partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR presents a substantial opportunity for expanding its involvement in the global SMR supply network.

Background

The Rolls-Royce SMR is a 470 MWe design centered on a small pressurized water reactor, expected to provide consistent baseload power for at least 60 years. Ninety percent of the SMR, measuring approximately 16 by 4 meters, will be constructed in factory settings, primarily limiting on-site activities to the assembly of prefabricated, pre-tested modules. This approach significantly reduces project risks and has the potential to greatly shorten construction timelines.

In October 2024, ČEZ selected Rolls-Royce SMR to deploy up to 3 GW of electricity in the Czech Republic, acquiring a 20% stake in the company. The first SMR is planned for the Temelín site, which currently hosts two gigawatt-scale VVER-100 units, with additional projects being developed for coal-fired power plant locations, including Tušimice.

In June 2025, Rolls-Royce SMR was chosen as the UK government's preferred technology for the nation’s initial SMR project. In November, it was announced that Wylfa on Anglesey Island, North Wales, would host three Rolls-Royce SMR units, with potential for the site to accommodate up to eight SMRs as the existing Magnox plant is decommissioned. A final investment decision is anticipated in 2029.