Prague, April 24, 2026, 15:00 CEST
- CEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR signed an early-works contract for the first Czech small modular reactor at Temelín.
- The first Czech unit is now expected in the second half of the 2030s, later than an earlier mid-2030s indication.
- The deal strengthens Rolls-Royce’s position after a separate UK contract for the first SMRs at Wylfa in Wales.
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc’s small nuclear reactor business signed an early-works contract with Czech utility CEZ on Friday, moving the Czech Republic’s first small modular reactor project into detailed preparation at the Temelín nuclear site. Rolls-Royce said the agreement gives its SMR unit multiple contractual commitments in Europe, after a UK deal signed earlier this month. ([Rolls-Royce][1])
It matters now because Rolls-Royce is trying to turn a long-promised nuclear export business into signed work, not just government backing or technology selection. The Czech project also gives the company a second European anchor as governments look for steady, low-carbon power that can sit beside renewables and large nuclear plants.
A small modular reactor, or SMR, is a smaller nuclear power plant designed to use more repeatable factory-built parts than a large traditional reactor. Supporters say that should cut delays and costs, though the industry still has to prove that at scale.
Reuters reported that CEZ expects the first Czech reactor to be completed in the second half of the 2030s, later than a previously indicated mid-2030s target. The unit is planned for CEZ’s existing Temelín nuclear power plant in southern Czech Republic.
CEZ Chief Executive Daniel Beneš said the preparatory work includes project planning and licensing documents needed for building permits, and that the company hopes to have approvals by 2030. CEZ owns about 20% of Rolls-Royce SMR, and the partners have aimed to deploy up to 3 gigawatts of SMR capacity in the Czech Republic.
Chris Cholerton, chief executive of Rolls-Royce SMR, said the contract “unlocks a significant programme of work” at Temelín and would be delivered with CEZ, its strategic partner and shareholder. He said Rolls-Royce SMR now has contractual commitments in both the UK and Czechia, making it the only company with multiple such commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe. Nuclear Industry Association
Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic called the Czech agreement a “critical milestone” and said it built on momentum from the UK contract signed earlier in April. The company said site-specific design work will start at Temelín, along with preparations for consents, permitting and licensing, after geological studies carried out in 2025. ([Rolls-Royce][1])
The risk is execution. CEZ’s own statement says the Czech contract is an engineering contract only: it does not include equipment deliveries, is not an investment decision and does not mark the start of construction. Financing, state support, licensing and the final investor model still have to be worked through.
The UK leg is further along but also not finished. Great British Energy – Nuclear said on April 13 that it had signed a contract with Rolls-Royce SMR to start technology design work for the UK’s first SMRs, with site-specific design, regulatory engagement and planning still ahead of a future final investment decision.
Competition has not gone away. Sweden’s Vattenfall has narrowed its own SMR supplier choice to Rolls-Royce SMR and GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 design for a possible 1.5 gigawatt project at Ringhals, giving Rolls-Royce another live contest in Europe rather than a closed book.
For the parent company, nuclear is still a smaller story than jet engines, defence and power systems, but it is becoming more visible in the equity case. Rolls-Royce reported £20.1 billion of underlying revenue and £3.46 billion of underlying operating profit for 2025, and has been using its stronger balance sheet to fund growth plans and shareholder returns. ([Rolls-Royce][8])
Rolls-Royce shares were quoted 1.55% lower at 1,142p in delayed London data, with the stock marked ex-dividend. The company’s ordinary-share record date for the latest dividend is April 24, with payment due on June 3.
[1]: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/24-04-2026-rr-smr-has-multiple-contractual-commitments-to-deliver-smr-units-in-europe-after-signing-contract-with-cez-group.aspx “
Rolls-Royce SMR has multiple contractual commitments to deliver SMR units in Europe after signing contract with CEZ Group | Rolls-Royce
“
[8]: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/26-02-2026-rr-holdings-plc-2025-full-year-results.aspx “
Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc 2025 Full Year Results | Rolls-Royce
“
