CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR Advance Small Modular Reactor Plans in Czechia and Britain

Strategic Insights -

CEZ, the Czech energy group, has solidified its position as a shareholder in British company Rolls-Royce SMR, with a stake of about one-fifth, since July. The two companies are now poised to focus on preparing small modular reactors (SMRs) in Britain and Czechia. According to CEZ CFO Martin Novak, up to three SMRs could be built in Britain, with CEZ acting as a supplier of some technologies for them. In Czechia, the construction of a modular reactor near the Temelin nuclear power plant is underway and is expected to start in the first half of the 2030s.

Key Takeaways:

  • CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will collaborate on the development of up to three modular units in Britain, with CEZ involved as a supplier or subcontractor of certain technologies.
  • CEZ will use the technology of modular reactors at the sites of current coal-fired power plants, with the first sites identified in Prunerov and Detmarovice.
  • The cost of a modular reactor is expected to be similar to that of large units, with a ratio corresponding to the lower output of a modular reactor.
  • CEZ plans to build modular reactors with a total capacity of 3 gigawatts (GW) by 2050.
  • The existing nuclear power plants at Dukovany and Temelin have a capacity of about 2 GW each.
  • CEZ has selected a site near the Temelin nuclear power plant for the construction of a modular reactor, with the project expected to start in the first half of the 2030s.
  • CEZ acquired a stake of 11 percent in Rolls-Royce SMR in March and increased it to 20 percent in July after the company's success in the British competition for the supplier of modular reactors.
  • CEZ CFO Martin Novak confirmed that the cooperation between the two companies will continue according to a pre-agreed scenario.

Statistics:

  • 3 GW: The total capacity of modular reactors planned by CEZ by 2050.
  • 470 megawatts (MW): The expected electrical output of a small modular reactor from Rolls-Royce SMR.
  • 60 years: The expected lifetime of a small modular reactor from Rolls-Royce SMR.
  • 20 percent: CEZ's stake in Rolls-Royce SMR since July.
  • 3 gigawatts (GW): The total capacity of existing nuclear power plants at Dukovany and Temelin.
  • Kc3bn: The amount paid by CEZ for 11 percent stake in Rolls-Royce SMR in March.
  • 1st half of the 2030s: The expected start of the construction of a modular reactor near the Temelin nuclear power plant.

Sources:

  • CTK, Prague, Aug 7 (CTK)
  • CEZ's earlier information on small modular reactors from Rolls-Royce SMR