ČEZ identifies two additional preferred sites for small reactors

The first Synthetic Small Reactor (SMR) project is scheduled to be located in the Czech EZ near the Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. Now it is clear the location of the current coal-fired power plants in Dětmarovice and Tušimice will also be the preferred sites for ČEZ’s second and third SMR reactors.

ČEZ believes that these two sites could be claimed in the second half of the 2030s.

In many countries, there are new plans to use SMR as an alternative, emission-free energy source in existing coal-fired power plants. The advantage of choosing such sites is that they often include existing power grid infrastructure, a site that has already been approved for a power facility, and that they have an existing workforce.

compliment

EZ is also looking at additional existing coal plants – Prunéřov, Ledvice, Poříčí and Mlník.

Small modular reactors are not a substitute for large nuclear power units, but they are complementary to the Czech energy mix in the form of a suitable alternative to coal-fired power plants and large thermal power plants. The SMR construction program represents a great opportunity for the Czech economy – it provides for the production of nuclear equipment, significant participation in the supply chain and the creation of a regional service and training center, says Tomáš Pleskač, board member and head of EZ Renewable Energy.

Extensive investigation and monitoring work is underway at the two proposed sites to verify their suitability. The work mainly focuses on potential active tectonic faults, hydrogeology, and bedrock. Studies are expected to be completed by the fall.

Short construction time

The company has signed a cooperation agreement with SMR developers NuScale, GE Hitachi, Rolls-Royce SMR, EDF, Westinghouse, KHNP and Holtec.

The first SMR reactor is planned for the South Bohemia Nuclear Park, part of the wider Temelin Nuclear Power Plant. The company has not yet decided what type of SMR to build there.

According to the World Nuclear Association, small modular reactors are defined as nuclear reactors that are generally 300 MW or less, which are designed with modular technology using factory modular manufacturing, with the advantages of serial production and short construction time.

Source: Nuclear World News