Rolls-Royce SMR has selected the Czech company Skoda JS to supply control rod drive mechanisms for its small modular reactors. This equipment is essential for regulating reactor power and executing emergency shutdowns by inserting control rods into the core.
The partnership begins with the development of a prototype, followed by mass production. Skoda JS estimates that the potential order volume for each reactor unit will exceed CZK 1 billion. The reactors are designed for a 470 MW electrical output and a service life of over 60 years.
The agreement is part of a broader nuclear cooperation initiative between the UK and the Czech Republic. Potential sites for small reactor construction in the Czech Republic include Temelin, Tusimice, and Detmarovice, with a total capacity of up to 3 GW.
Rolls-Royce focuses on factory-based modular production, with units measuring approximately 16 by 4 meters. These modules are transported by road or rail for on-site assembly to reduce costs and construction timelines. Projects are currently underway in the UK, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
