Czech SMR plans eye PPP-style options

The Czech government has published a roadmap for the deployment of small and medium-sized reactors (SMRs), with models that make use of PPPs in the mix.

The roadmap has been approved by the government and the approach will now be adopted into the country’s State Energy Policy.

Included as part of the plan is the potential of using alternative investment and cooperation models, whereby a group of investors may work together to finance and implement a project.

“These models could be attractive for investors in the Czech Republic,” the roadmap concluded, adding that foreign capital could be used where appropriate.

It also highlights the potential of using the regulated asset base (RAB) to support the delivery of SMR infrastructure.

“Our vision is for SMRs to complement large nuclear units from 2030s-40s onwards,” said Jozef Síkela, Minister of Industry and Trade. “The approved Roadmap will provide investors with certainty, so that they can prepare sites and subsequently make investment decisions.”