Czech Republic and utility company 膶EZ are launching preparatory works for the construction of SMRs, while Rolls-Royce hopes to deploy its first SMR in the UK in the early 2030s.

膶EZ assessed information from seven bidders and selected Rolls-Royce as its preferred candidate, subject to a security assessment.

The utility company plans to build its first modular reactor near the Temel铆n nuclear power plant in South Bohemia. It should be built in the first half of the 2030s before the launch of the new large Czech nuclear unit, which is planned for 2040.

It is also exploring other locations that may be suitable for SMRs. These include the sites in Tu拧imice and D臎tmarovice.

The Czech Republic hopes that SMRs will replace aging coal-fired power plants that are due to be phased out.

Daniel Bene拧, CEO of 膶EZ said, 鈥淭he strategic partnership with Rolls-Royce SMR will allow us to make use of our long-standing experience in the field of nuclear power and the high technological maturity of the British company,鈥� adding that 膶EZ would now negotiate the specific form of cooperation with its counterpart.