Work Starts on First SMR Power Project in Czech Republic

Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

Summary

Work can start on the Czech Republic's first small modular reactor (SMR) power plant following the contract signing between the state-owned power company CEZ Group and developer Rolls-Royce SMR.

Temelin SMR Project Advances

U.K. small modular reactor (SMR) supplier Rolls-Royce SMR has signed a contract with CEZ Group to allow early work to start on the Czech Republic's first SMR plant. 

Situated at the existing Temelin nuclear site in southern Bohemia, it follows on from a series of successful geological studies. The Early Works Contract (EWC) will allow for site‑specific design work to begin, including preparations for consents, permitting, and licensing, alongside preliminary infrastructure activities already underway at Temelín - home to one of CEZ's operating nuclear power stations. The partners want to deploy up to 3 gigawatts (GW) of SMR-based electricity in the Czech Republic. According to Industrial Info Resources data, there are seven proposed SMR projects in the Czech Republic - six involving CEZ Group - with a potential investment value of more than US$14 billion. Subscribers to Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports.

SMRs For Energy Future

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček said: "The Czech Republic must build its energy future on stable, safe and emission-free sources that will ensure affordable energy prices and the long-term competitiveness of the industry. Small modular reactors represent a technological opportunity with a European impact and at the same time a chance for Czech companies and researchers to join the top of the global nuclear industry." 

Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR Chief Executive Officer said:"This important contract unlocks a significant programme of work at the Temelín site. With today's contract signing, and with contractual commitments now in place in both the U.K. and Czechia, Rolls-Royce SMR becomes the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe."

The Project

CEZ, which took a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR in 2024, will deploy Rolls-Royce's proposed 470-megawatt (MW) SMR, based on a small pressurized water reactor (PWR), which will be able to power 450,000 homes for 60 years. Each plant will occupy just 10% of the footprint of a conventional nuclear power plant. The SMR measures around 16 meters by 4 meters and most of the plant's modules can be constructed and tested offsite before being delivered by trucks for final installation. Last month, IIR News Intelligence reported that Rolls-Royce SMR had secured a contract with the U.K. government to start working on the country's first SMR plant at Wylfa, in Wales. It will use three of its small PWRs for a combined capacity of around 1.4 GW of generation,  enough for 3 million homes. For additional information, see April 20, 2026, article - United Kingdom Signs Contracts With Rolls Royce for First SMR Power Plant. Industrial Info Resources is tracking five planned SMR projects in the U.K., including Wylfa, worth US$35 billion in investment. Full project details are available to Industrial Info Resources subscribers here. 

Key Takeaways 

• Early work begins on the Czech Republic's first SMR project with Rolls Royce SMR.
• Temelin SMR project will use Rolls-Royce's proposed 470-megawatt (MW) SMR, based on a small pressurized water reactor (PWR).
• Industrial Info Resources is tracking seven proposed SMR projects in the Czech Republic worth more than US$14 billion. 

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).