Czech "ČEZ" and British "Rolls-Royce" have signed a contract for early works on the small reactor project at the "Temelín" nuclear power plant.

The Czech nuclear operator ČEZ has signed an early works contract with Rolls-Royce SMR for the planned construction of a small modular reactor at the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. ČEZ also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to consider an investor model and possible sources of financing.
The early works contract allows for the preparation of site-specific documentation and materials for the licensing and permitting process, including environmental impact assessments, procedures for obtaining nuclear and construction permits, as well as the relevant design work.

As stated by the signing parties, the engineering contract, signed after a successful series of geological studies, does not include equipment supplies, "so it is not an investment decision or the beginning of construction".

According to the memorandum of understanding with the ministry, a working group will be established, which, in addition to exploring financing options, will facilitate the continuation of intergovernmental cooperation between the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, as well as work on regulatory and legislative support and preparation of conditions for the construction project.

“Cooperation between ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR provides a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our involvement in technology development,” said Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČEZ, who owns 20% of the shares in Rolls-Royce SMR. “Thanks to the small modular reactor project, the Czech Republic and Czech industry can use and further deepen their traditional nuclear know-how. We are counting on small modular reactors alongside large nuclear power plants and renewable sources... No less important is the memorandum concluded with the government. Government support is necessary for such a large project, similar to the construction of new nuclear sources at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Plant.”

Source: https://www.atomic-energy.ru/news/2026/04/28/165467