SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Czech Republic secures development of modular reactors (SMRs)

ČEZ and the Czech government reach an agreement to move forward on the strategic Modular Reactors (SMRs) project, guaranteeing national energy security.

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

The Czech Republic is moving ahead with the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) with an agreement between ČEZ and the government.
The agreement strengthens national security by framing the selection of suppliers for these technologies, which are crucial to diversifying the country’s energy mix.
Priority is given to integrating SMRs into existing infrastructure, particularly at the Temelín power plant site.
Jozef Síkela, Minister of Trade and Industry, explains that SMRs are intended to replace aging coal-fired power plants.
Their development is in line with nuclear projects already underway, such as the new units at Dukovany.
The integration of SMRs will enable us to adapt our energy supply to growing needs, while reinforcing security of supply.

Industrial advantages and technological choices

SMRs offer flexibility tailored to the Czech Republic’s energy needs.
ČEZ is planning a site in Temelín, with studies underway for other locations such as Dětmarovice and Tušimice.
The aim is to optimize energy production while guaranteeing grid stability.
The supplier selection process, governed by the agreement with the government, follows strict safety criteria.
This approach is reminiscent of that used for large nuclear units, such as the recent agreement with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) for new units at Dukovany. However, the selection of KHNP remains under review following appeals by Westinghouse and EDF.

Prospects for nuclear power in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic’s energy strategy is based on diversifying its nuclear sources.
Currently, one third of the country’s electricity comes from the Dukovany and Temelín power plants.
The introduction of SMRs, scheduled for the 2030s, is intended to complement this infrastructure by offering modular, flexible solutions tailored to market requirements.
The SMR master plan, approved last year, identifies several potential sites and explores various technological options.
The development of SMRs is part of a strategy to optimize energy resources while meeting the Czech Republic’s security and economic challenges.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
The United Kingdom reforms its nuclear regulation to reduce construction costs
NEO NEXT+ becomes the UKCS’s largest gas producer with TotalEnergies and Repsol
Argentina signs 8-year LNG export deal with Germany
Citgo shifts under Elliott control for $5.9bn pending U.S. approval
ExxonMobil shuts down steam cracker in Singapore and redirects assets to China
Framatome to upgrade critical systems at Columbia nuclear power plant
Framatome will replace several digital control systems at the Columbia plant in the United States under a contract awarded by Energy Northwest.
Cigéo receives ASNR approval and enters final validation phase
The conditional green light from the nuclear regulator moves Cigéo into its final regulatory stage, while shifting the risks towards financing, territorial negotiations and industrial execution.
A drone damages the Chernobyl sarcophagus, Ukraine left alone to handle repairs
The drone strike confirmed by the IAEA on the Chernobyl site vault exposes Ukraine to a nuclear risk under armed conflict, forcing the EBRD to finance partial restoration while industry standards must now account for drone threats.
Deep Fission installs a 15 MWe underground nuclear reactor on a former military site in Kansas
Deep Fission is installing a 15 MWe pressurised reactor 1.6 km underground at Great Plains Industrial Park, under the Department of Energy’s accelerated pilot programme, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026.
EDF secures 12-year nuclear power contract with battery manufacturer Verkor
EDF commits to supply 33 MW of nuclear electricity to Verkor over 12 years, enabling the battery manufacturer to stabilise energy costs ahead of launching its first Gigafactory.
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.

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.