Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ agree on Temelín site development work

Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an early works agreement with Czech utility ČEZ to commence site-specific activities at the Temelín site in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic.

The agreement follows ČEZ’s selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as its preferred partner for delivering up to three gigawatts (3GW) of sustainable power in Czechia.

This initiative aligns with recent commitments by UK and Czech leaders to enhance economic growth through clean energy technology.

It underscores both nations’ dedication to leveraging small modular reactor (SMR) export opportunities, fostering highly skilled employment, stimulating economic expansion, and ensuring secure, domestically produced clean energy.

Rolls-Royce SMR CEO Chris Cholerton stated: “This agreement is an important step forward in our partnership with ČEZ, demonstrating our shared ambition to move at pace to deliver reliable, clean nuclear power in the Czech Republic.

“We are proud to be working alongside ČEZ to deliver a programme that will bring significant industrial and economic benefits to both our nations, while helping to meet critical energy security and decarbonisation goals.”

A joint team has been assembled to undertake preliminary tasks at the site, which already houses the operational Temelín nuclear power station, operated by ČEZ.

Further deployment prospects are being evaluated at Tušimice in the Ústí nad Labem region.

The scope of early works involves acquiring regulatory approvals and licences, conducting environmental assessments and executing initial groundwork at Temelín.

These efforts will facilitate detailed planning processes and foster engagement with regulatory bodies for timely project rollout.

Each unit from Rolls-Royce’s suite of SMRs can produce 470MW of eco-friendly electricity, sufficient to supply one million households. It is designed to have an operational lifespan of more than 60 years.

ČEZ new energy division and member of the board and director Tomáš Pleskač stated: “We will closely cooperate with Rolls-Royce SMR on preparing the construction of the first small modular reactor in the Czech Republic, which is expected to be built in the Temelín locality in the mid-2030s.

“Modular reactors represent a significant opportunity for the Czech economy and are an essential part of the ongoing energy transformation. The cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR, which we established this year, offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our participation in the technology development.”

In June 2025, Great British Energy – Nuclear chose Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder for the development of SMRs in the UK, subject to final government approvals and contract negotiations.