Rolls-Royce will build small modular nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic

UK aerospace and defense major Rolls-Royce has won an agreement to build small modular nuclear power plants in the Czech Republic. This was reported by the company’s press service.

Rolls-Royce beat out six other competitors vying for an agreement with Czech state-owned company ČEZ Group.

“This important strategic partnership further strengthens Rolls-Royce SMR’s position as Europe’s leading company in small modular reactor technology,” said Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Cholerton.

Negotiations are still ongoing to finalize the terms of the contract. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. The Rolls-Royce concern promised to make its details public during the signing.

The Financial Times wrote that the first reactor is planned to be built near the southern Temelín nuclear power plant in the mid-2030s.

It is noted that the small size of the modular design of the Rolls-Royce reactor, with a generation capacity of 470 MW, is quite large for this type. They usually have a capacity of less than 300 MW.

Rolls-Royce is a British aerospace and defense group that specializes in manufacturing equipment for nuclear power plants, aircraft engines, marine and energy equipment. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, which manufactures cars, is part of BMW.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are nuclear reactors of low and medium power – from 50 MW and above. Their main difference from traditional reactors in nuclear power plants is their ability to maneuver and produce electricity in a flexible manner.

Let’s recall that in June, Bulgaria for the first time imported fuel for nuclear power plants not from Russia, but from the United States. And Armenia is discussing with the United States the construction of a new nuclear power plant.