Rolls-Royce partners with Czech firm on nuclear power stations

Rolls-Royce has announced it has partnered with a Czech firm to deploy mini nuclear power stations in the UK and Czechia.

Rolls-Royce SMR has joined forces with state-backed CEZ Group to deploy the firm’s small modular reactor technology in both countries.

This is enabled by an equity investment by CEZ into Rolls-Royce SMR and a strategic partnership to deploy up to 3GW of electricity in the Czech Republic using Rolls-Royce SMR power plants.

The agreement strengthens Rolls-Royce SMR’s ability to deploy SMR technology in Europe and globally, and puts CEZ, Rolls-Royce SMR, and its existing shareholders at the forefront of SMR deployment.

Tufan Erginbilgiç, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said: “We are pleased to receive this significant opportunity to deploy our SMR technology in the Czech Republic and welcome CEZ as a strategic investor and partner in Rolls-Royce SMR.

“We have a shared vision and CEZ further strengthens our ability to build stable, secure, low carbon power – delivering on our promise as a leading SMR business.

“This announcement ensures that the Rolls-Royce SMR business is set up for success in the UK, the Czech Republic and around the world.”

Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station is expected to produce 470MWe of stable, affordable, emission-free electricity – enough to power a million homes for at least 60 years.

Daniel Beneš, chief executive of CEZ Group, said: “This investment enables our commitment to international collaboration in delivering clean power at home and abroad.

“The Czech Republic hosts some of the world’s leading nuclear supply chain companies.

“This collaboration in deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR units offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity to the nuclear sector through our participation in the development of the technology and will enable CEZ and other local companies to play a significant role in its future global production.”