SMR-160 Project Advances In Czech Republic

US Small Modular Reactor (SMR) developer Holtec announced the signature of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with engineering multinationals Škoda Praha and Hyundai Engineering and Construction to advance the planning for construction of SMR-160s in the Czech Republic.

Under the Agreement, the parties will develop the division of responsibilities for procurement, construction, and commissioning of SMR-160 plants in Czech Republic in accordance with Czech Codes and Standards and inclusion of Czech content in the delivery of the projects.

The Parties will also develop a cost estimate for deployment of the SMR-160 standard design in the Czech Republic.

This Agreement follows the one already signed between Holtec and the Czech nuclear operator ČEZ last month.

Holtec has been working with ČEZ since 2019, supporting their technical and commercial evaluation of SMR-160 for deployment in Czech Republic and a feasibility study performed under an MoU and technical exchange with technology and research centre ÚJV Řež.

The MOU with ČEZ will enable continued exchange between the parties for evaluation of SMR-160 deployment at Temelin, where ČEZ plans to deploy a pilot SMR as early as 2032.

ČEZ is also evaluating future deployment of SMRs to replace several coal power plants planned for shutdown in the late-2030s. Deployment of 24/7 clean nuclear power at these sites is important to ensure stability of the Czech electricity grid, Holtec said.

Read the full Holtec Press Release.

As described by Holtec, the SMR-160 is a small modular pressurized water nuclear power plant that does not rely on any pumps or motors to remove heat from the nuclear fuel, for all accident scenarios.

The SMR-160 produces net 160MWe power or 525MWt for process applications. The SMR-160 represents innovation through simplification and use of entirely passive safety systems, while relying on decades of proven operating history for the existing commercial pressurized light water reactor fleet.

Generally, reactors that produce less than 300 MWe are classified as “small.” Reactors dubbed to be modular rely on the plant being substantially manufactured in a factory environment and are comprised of pre-built assemblies to reduce on-site construction cost and schedule.