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.

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

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

UK-based Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a memorandum of understanding with Czech company ÚJV Řež to deepen their cooperation in the field of small modular reactors. The agreement covers technical and regulatory activities specific to the Czech nuclear market, including engineering services, testing, evaluation of critical components, operational support and licensing procedures.

This strengthened cooperation comes as the Czech Republic has selected Rolls-Royce SMR’s technology to provide up to 3 GW of nuclear capacity. Czech energy group ČEZ, the country’s main nuclear operator, already holds a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR.

Industrial expansion around the SMR programme

In parallel with the memorandum signing, Rolls-Royce SMR held a technical conference in Prague with its suppliers, highlighting opportunities for Czech companies to join the technology’s value chain. According to ČEZ, local firms are well positioned to contribute to the construction of these units both domestically and in international markets.

ÚJV Řež, 80% owned by ČEZ, is already engaged in a contract with Rolls-Royce SMR for analysis and validation of key equipment. Its Director General, Martin Rušcák, stated that the partnership would leverage the institute’s decades of nuclear expertise and support the national industry’s export ambitions.

Aiming to reduce construction risk

The technology developed by Rolls-Royce SMR is based on a 470 MWe pressurised water reactor designed to provide stable output for at least 60 years. The modular architecture enables 90% of the unit to be factory-built, with dimensions of around 16 metres by 4 metres. This approach is intended to reduce on-site risks and significantly shorten construction timelines.

The model has already been selected by both the Czech and UK governments for their national small modular reactor programmes. Rolls-Royce SMR Technical Director David Dodd emphasised ÚJV Řež’s reputation in the European nuclear sector and the value of this collaboration to the integrity of the technology programme.

Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor has passed a key regulatory hurdle in the United Kingdom, opening the door to potential commercial deployment, despite no current plans for construction.
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.
The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a tender to select a site and conduct initial environmental studies for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step for the country’s energy future.
The European Commission has approved Poland's financial support plan for its first nuclear power plant, a €42bn project backed by public funding, state guarantees, and a contract for difference mechanism.
Six European nuclear authorities have completed the second phase of a joint review of the Nuward modular reactor, a key step toward aligning regulatory frameworks for small nuclear reactors across Europe.
US fusion energy leaders have called on the federal government to redirect public funding towards their projects, arguing that large-scale investment is needed to stay competitive with China.
Santee Cooper has approved a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Asset Management to assess the feasibility of restarting two unfinished nuclear reactors, with a potential $2.7 billion payment and 550 MW capacity stake.
Helical Fusion has signed a landmark agreement with Aoki Super to supply electricity from fusion, marking a first in Japan’s energy sector and a commercial step forward for the helical stellarator technology.
India’s nuclear capacity is expected to grow by more than 13,000 MW by 2032, driven by ongoing heavy water reactor construction, new regional projects and small modular reactor development by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
London launches a complete regulatory overhaul of its nuclear industry to shorten authorisation timelines, expand eligible sites, and lower construction and financing costs.
Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs extends the deadline to June 2026 for the regulator to complete its review of the operating licence for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository.
Framatome will replace several digital control systems at the Columbia plant in the United States under a contract awarded by Energy Northwest.
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.
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 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 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.
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.

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

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.