A high-level delegation from Czechia recently completed a U.S. Civil Nuclear Study Tour, which took place from December 1 to December 11, 2024, focusing on fostering collaboration between the United States and Czechia in the areas of small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies. The delegation, hosted by the U.S. Department of State, visited a variety of key sites, including Washington, D.C., Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and the Deep Isolation Borehole Demonstration Center in Cameron, Texas. The tour aimed to promote mutual understanding and partnership on the next generation of nuclear energy technologies.
The study tour is an essential component of the ongoing collaboration between the U.S. and Czechia under the Nuclear Expediting the Energy Transition (NEXT) One Stop Shop initiative. Launched as part of the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) program in 2019, NEXT seeks to accelerate the deployment of innovative nuclear technologies, with a particular focus on SMRs, which are considered critical to the future of clean energy.
During the tour, the Czech delegation met with officials from various U.S. government agencies, including the Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation. These discussions centered around vital topics such as workforce development, regulatory infrastructure, nuclear safety, and security, as well as the technological advancements required to enhance global energy security.
In addition to these meetings, the Czech delegation visited key academic and commercial institutions involved in U.S. nuclear energy. They toured small modular reactor simulators, participated in expert-led discussions on the latest nuclear innovations, and engaged with stakeholders from the private sector and academia. The goal was to deepen the understanding of how the U.S. is advancing its nuclear capabilities and how such advancements can be leveraged by international partners like Czechia.
The U.S. Department of State highlighted the importance of these efforts, noting that the United States is committed to supporting the global transition to advanced nuclear energy technologies. By facilitating technological advancement, job creation, and energy security, the U.S. seeks to assist partner countries in developing sustainable and reliable energy solutions, while ensuring the responsible use of nuclear technologies.
The tour is expected to further strengthen U.S.-Czech cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, building on years of collaboration and shared goals for a clean energy future.