At Research Centre Řež s.r.o. we focus on research and development in the field of nuclear energy, reactor physics and technology, chemistry and materials research.
The main areas of our activities include research support for the operation of nuclear and conventional power plants, research and development in the field of advanced nuclear technologies such as Generation IV reactors, SMRs and fusion, research support for the treatment and storage of radioactive and hazardous waste, and research and development in the field of emission-free energy and advanced energy technologies, where special attention is currently paid to energy storage and thermodynamic circuits. A special role in our portfolio of activities is played by advanced materials research, which is a cross-cutting and key topic for all research areas.
At the Research Centre Řež we have a number of interconnected research infrastructures of technologies, thanks to which we are now able to cover the complex needs of research and development in nuclear energy. There are not many companies in the world that can irradiate the material under test in a nuclear reactor, or expose it in a loop in the required environment, then perform a wide range of mechanical tests in hot chambers, and then analyse the effect of radiation and media on the microstructure of materials at a state-of-the-art electron microscope facility.
Another great advantage is the fact that we now have our own design and engineering capabilities and modern workshops, so we can not only design, but also manufacture and modify the necessary experimental or test equipment ourselves.
The LVR-15 and LR0 nuclear research reactors are among the pillars of our technology. The LVR-15 reactor is used primarily for irradiation of materials, production of radiopharmaceuticals and experiments using neutron radiography and other applications of neutron beams. The LR-0 reactor is one of the most flexible experimental reactors in the world, in which it is possible to model virtually any configuration of power reactors to verify their neutron-physical characteristics.
Safety analyses of research and power reactors using state-of-the-art computational methods. Analyses and modelling in the field of neutron physics and thermohydraulics. Nuclear safety assessment and licensing support for operators and regulatory authorities. Notable references include the patented design of the Energy Well small modular reactor concept and the Czech CR-100 small pressurized water reactor concept.
Thanks to the unique combination of the irradiation capabilities of the LVR-15 reactor, the hot cell complex and the microanalysis laboratories, we focus on the development and testing of materials and surface treatments for existing nuclear and conventional power plants and advanced Generation IV nuclear reactor concepts - covering nuclear fuel and other components exposed to extreme conditions (high temperatures, corrosive environments, mechanical stresses). Development of advanced non-destructive testing methods, manipulators and robotic systems.
Development of advanced energy technologies with a broad focus ranging from large-scale energy storage, hydrogen technologies, high-efficiency thermodynamic circuits based on supercritical CO2, technologies for Generation IV reactors to fusion technologies, where we currently operate the world's unique HELCZA facility, where the first wall panels for the ITER thermonuclear reactor are being tested. Development of technologies for nuclear fuel reprocessing, optimisation and treatment of radioactive and toxic waste. Optimisation of chemical regimes of power plants.
Development, design and production with a focus on the supply of large technological units and special experimental equipment using the experience gained in the delivery of unique infrastructures built within the SUSEN project (hot cells, technological experimental loops). One of the most important references is the comprehensive supply of hot cells and cranes for the Jules Horowitz reactor in France, which is the largest materials research reactor currently under construction in the world.