Rolls-Royce SMR and ČEZ Group partner to deploy SMRs in UK and Czechia
12/12/2024
Rolls-Royce SMR Limited (Rolls-Royce SMR) and ČEZ Group (CEZ) have announced that they will join forces to bring their global capabilities and know-how to the deployment of Rolls-Royce SMR’s small modular reactor (SMR) technology. This is enabled by an equity investment by CEZ into Rolls-Royce SMR and a strategic partnership to deploy up to 3 GW 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, BNF Resources, Constellation, QIA and Rolls-Royce, at the forefront of SMR deployment. These efforts further support the UK and Europe to reach their ambitious net-zero goals and contribute solutions to address the challenges of climate change.
Tufan Erginbilgiç, CEO of Rolls-Royce plc, 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. The announcement ensures that the Rolls-Royce SMR business is set up for success in the UK, the Czech Republic and around the world.”
Daniel Beneš, CEO 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.”
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| Top row (left to right): Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic; Petr Fiala, Czech Republic Prime Minister; Chris Barton CMG, HM Trade Commissioner for Europe; and Matt Field OBE, UK Ambassador to the Czech Republic. Bottom row: Daniel Beneš, CEO of ČEZ Group; and Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce plc CEO |
Subject to customary regulatory clearances and security assessments, CEZ will make an investment into Rolls-Royce SMR, acquiring a stake of approximately 20%.
On 18 September, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR would enter a strategic partnership to enable the development and construction of SMRs in the Czech Republic. They will work collaboratively on plans for the deployment of up to 3 GW of clean, affordable energy in the Czech Republic. CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will work to finalise contractual order terms for an order of the first unit, with early works expected to commence as soon as 2025. Furthermore, CEZ will support Rolls-Royce SMR to deploy SMR projects across Europe, leveraging the learning curve and knowledge transfer across projects.
This collaboration, expected to last several decades, is more than just an agreement between Rolls-Royce SMR and CEZ; it represents an important strengthening of ties between the UK and Czech governments.
It also signals a strong commitment to building an international supply chain, generating an enormous opportunity to develop skills in both countries and deliver significant economic growth.
Nuclear energy will play a key role in both the UK and the Czech Republic as both countries seek a secure, clean and affordable supply of electricity for generations to come.
Each Rolls-Royce SMR power station is expected to produce 470 MWe of stable, affordable, emission-free electricity, enough to power a million homes for at least 60 years.
