SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Nuclear power: Czechs plan first SMR for 2032

The CEZ energy group plans to launch its first Small modular reactors (SMR) within 10 years to complement the Czech energy mix and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Czech state-owned energy company CEZ recently announced plans to launch three SMRs by 2040. The first SMR is expected to be launched in Temelin around 2032, while the other two will be built in the second half of the 2030s. Ladislav Kriz, spokesman for the CEZ, confirmed this information in a statement to AFP.

Construction of PRMs

The first SMR will be built in Temelin, near one of the two nuclear power plants controlled by CEZ, which covers about one third of the total Czech electricity production. The next two SMRs will be built at the group’s coal-fired power plants, with the aim of switching from fossil fuels to decarbonized technologies. CEZ is also considering other locations for additional SMRs, including near its other nuclear plant in Dukovany and other coal-fired plants.

The benefits of MRP

According to Tomas Pleskac, a member of the CEZ board of directors, “SMRs are not intended to replace large nuclear units, they complement the Czech energy mix as a practical substitute for coal-fired power plants and large CO2-emitting heating plants.” SMRs are considered a practical and affordable alternative to more powerful conventional reactors. RMS systems and components can be factory assembled and transported in complete units to their installation location, making them relatively simple to build.

A new large nuclear reactor planned

In addition to SMRs, CEZ also plans to launch a new large nuclear reactor at Dukovany by 2036. Late last year, the group received offers from Westinghouse, EDF and KHNP for the project.

MRPs in the European energy context

SMRs are being considered by several European countries, as they can be a practical solution to complement the energy mix while reducing CO2 emissions. Global energy prices have also skyrocketed due to Russia’s reduced energy exports in response to sanctions imposed on it following the invasion of Ukraine.

 

The launch of SMRs by CEZ represents an important step in the development of nuclear energy in the Czech Republic. SMRs are seen as a practical and affordable alternative to more powerful conventional reactors, and can help the country transition from fossil fuels to decarbonized technologies.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
BOTAŞ strengthens LNG capacity with expansion of Marmara Ereğlisi terminal
Bourbon secures five-year contract with ExxonMobil for Angola’s Block 15
Trump repeals Biden’s CAFE standards and revives combustion engine vehicles
Paris appoints Jean-Bernard Lévy to review subsidies for renewables
ExxonMobil shuts down steam cracker in Singapore and redirects assets to China
Lianjiang nuclear simulator enters delivery phase after full validation
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niger challenges Orano by launching its uranium production on the international market
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix secures 500 MWe nuclear supply from Stellaria for AI data centres
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.