Rolls-Royce SMR has signed an Early Works Contract (EWC) with
CEZ Group, that enables work to progress on the Czech Republic’s first Small Modular Reactor (SMR). This landmark contract cements the position of Rolls-Royce SMR as the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe. It follows the signing of a contract with Great British Energy – Nuclear (GBE-N) for the design and delivery of the first small modular reactors (SMRs) in the UK.
Rolls-Royce plc’s CEO Tufan Erginbilgic said: “This is a critical milestone for Rolls-Royce, for Rolls-Royce SMR and for Czechia. It unlocks a significant programme of work, which will be delivered alongside our strategic partner CEZ Group. It is an important vote of confidence in our unique nuclear capabilities and builds on the momentum being generated by Rolls-Royce SMR in the UK, where the contract to start work was signed earlier this month.
“It is also further evidence that the strategic choices we have made in the transformation of Rolls-Royce are delivering. Rolls-Royce SMR is the only company with multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe and is well placed to become a market leader globally.”
Rolls‑Royce SMR and CEZ Group have embarked on a strategic partnership to deploy up to 3GW of electricity in the Czech Republic. Under this contract, site‑specific design work will begin on the first unit at Temelin in the South Bohemian region of the country. The work follows a successful programme of on-site geological studies in 2025, and includes preparations for consents, permitting and licensing, alongside preliminary infrastructure activities.
This contract marks another important step on the journey of Rolls-Royce SMR, helping the company retain its ‘crucial first mover advantage’ in a market that is growing and attracting significant international interest. The business is currently the furthest through any European regulatory process.