-- Rolls-Royce advanced its small modular reactor pipeline in Europe after signing a contract with the nuclear electric power generation firm CEZ to support up to 3 gigawatts of nuclear capacity in the Czech Republic, it said Friday.
Rolls-Royce SMR signed an Early Works Contract with CEZ to begin development of the country's first SMR, the company said.
The company will start site-specific design work at the Temelin location in the South Bohemian region, following geological studies completed in 2025, it said.
The contract also covers permitting, licensing preparations and early infrastructure work required ahead of full project development, the company added.
Rolls-Royce said the deal positions its SMR unit as the only provider with multiple contractual commitments to deliver reactors across Europe.
The company previously secured a contract with Great British Energy Nuclear to design and build the UK's first SMRs, it said.
Tufan Erginbilgic, chief executive of Rolls-Royce, said the agreement marks a key milestone that unlocks a major work program to be delivered with strategic partner CEZ Group, according to the company.
He added the deal reflects confidence in Rolls-Royce's nuclear capabilities, builds on recent UK momentum and supports its transformation strategy, positioning its SMR business for leadership in Europe and global markets, it said.