Rolls-Royce SMR Limited (Rolls-Royce SMR) and CEZ Group (CEZ) announced on Tuesday a collaboration to jointly deploy Rolls-Royce SMR’s Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Enabled by CEZ Group’s equity investment in Rolls-Royce SMR, the partnership envisions the deployment of SMR technology to generate up to 3 GW of power in the Czech Republic.
This cooperation bolsters Rolls-Royce SMR’s ability to introduce SMR technology across Europe and globally. With CEZ joining existing shareholders BNF Resources, Constellation, QIA, and Rolls-Royce, the partnership strengthens their positions as leading players in the SMR sector, contributing actively to the fight against climate change.
“We are delighted to have this significant opportunity to develop SMR technology in the Czech Republic. We welcome CEZ as a strategic investor and partner. Together, we share a vision to build a stable, secure, and low-carbon energy sector, and with CEZ, we enhance our capacity to become Europe’s leading SMR company. This announcement signals a promising future for Rolls-Royce’s SMR business in the UK, the Czech Republic, and globally,” said Rolls-Royce plc CEO Tufan Erginbilgiç.
“This investment reflects our commitment to international collaboration to deliver clean energy both domestically and abroad. The Czech Republic is home to leading companies in the nuclear supply chain, and the partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR brings significant growth potential for our nuclear sector. It positions CEZ and other local companies at the forefront of future projects,” said Daniel Beneš, Chairman of the Board and CEO of CEZ Group.
Following necessary regulatory and safety approvals, CEZ will acquire a 20% stake in Rolls-Royce SMR.
On 18 September, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR would enter into a strategic partnership to facilitate the development and construction of SMRs in the Czech Republic. Together, CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR will create plans to deliver up to 3 GW of clean, affordable energy in the Czech Republic and finalize the contractual terms for the construction of the first plant. Additionally, CEZ will collaborate with Rolls-Royce SMR on other European SMR projects, drawing from shared expertise and experience.
This partnership spans multiple decades and represents much more than a traditional business agreement. It strengthens UK-Czech government relations and signifies a strong commitment to building an international supply chain, offering substantial growth opportunities for both countries and contributing to economic development.
