Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 7, ČEZ, a Czech energy company, is advancing geological surveys at the Temelin nuclear power plant to support its application for a small modular reactor (SMR), planned for submission in 2026. The current drilling, conducted at the southwestern edge of the site, includes nine exploratory core boreholes ranging from 50 to 200 meters deep. Using a diamond crown to penetrate hard rock, the surveys aim to enhance geological data, despite progress sometimes limited to two meters per hour due to challenging rock formations.

Initial surveys for the SMR project began three years ago with four boreholes drilled to 30 meters. Silvana Jirotková, Director of ČEZ’s SMR development department, stated: “Geologically, it is a very mapped location, suitable for nuclear energy. The surveys were carried out by workers in the 1980s before the construction of Temelín units 1 and 2. Other surveys were in connection with the preparation of the third and fourth units.” Additional explorations are planned to further refine data for the SMR project.

The permitting process is underway, with an environmental impact assessment in progress, expected to be submitted within the next year. In 2024, the Czech Republic selected Rolls-Royce SMR as its partner for up to 3 GW of nuclear capacity, with ČEZ acquiring a 20% stake in the company. Last month, ČEZ and Rolls-Royce SMR signed an Early Works Agreement to begin site-specific preparations at Temelin, targeting the first SMR operational by the mid-2030s. Plans also include potential SMR deployment at existing coal-fired power plant sites.

The Rolls-Royce SMR, a 470 MWe pressurized water reactor, is designed for 60 years of consistent baseload power. Approximately 90% of the reactor, measuring 16 by 4 meters, will be constructed in factory conditions to minimize on-site work, reducing risks and shortening construction timelines.

The Czech Republic currently operates six nuclear units: four VVER-440 reactors at Dukovany, operational since 1985–1987, and two at Temelin, collectively generating about one-third of the nation’s electricity. In June, ČEZ signed a CZK407 billion ($18.6 billion) contract with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for two APR1000 reactors at Dukovany, with construction planned for 2029. Two additional APR1000 units are under consideration for Temelin.

This SMR initiative reflects the Czech Republic’s commitment to expanding nuclear capacity to ensure stable, sustainable energy production while transitioning from coal-based power.