Czech nuclear operator ČEZ has signed an early works contract with Rolls-Royce SMR for the proposed construction of a small modular reactor at Temelín. ČEZ has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to consider the investor model and possible sources of financing.
The early works contract allows preparation to start of site-specific documentation and materials for the licensing and permitting process, including for the environmental impact assessment and nuclear and construction permitting procedures, and related design work.
The engineering contract - which has been signed following a successful series of geological studies - does not include equipment supplies, "it is therefore not an investment decision or the start of construction", the signatories said.
Under the memorandum of understanding with the ministry, a working group will be established which will, in addition to looking into financing options, facilitate the continuation of intergovernmental cooperation between the Czech Republic and the UK and work on regulatory and legislative support and preparation of conditions for the construction project.
Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of ČEZ, which has a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR, said: "ČEZ's cooperation with Rolls-Royce SMR offers a unique opportunity for growth and prosperity in the field of nuclear energy, also thanks to our participation in the development of the technology. 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 … equally important is the memorandum concluded with the state. State support is essential for such a large project, similar to the construction of new nuclear sources in Dukovany."
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 research to join the top of the global nuclear industry."
Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: "This important contract unlocks a significant programme of work at the Temelín site, which will be delivered alongside our strategic partner and shareholder, ČEZ … with contractual commitments now in place in both the UK and Czechia, Rolls-Royce SMR becomes the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe."
Kaynak: https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/articles/czech-smr-project---early-works-contract-signed
