Thirty-nine degrees Celsius. A record-breaking June day in Řež. Can you imagine?
Welcome to Řež a seemingly ordinary village nestled in the bend of the Vltava River. Yet this unassuming place holds a secret. It’s the site of a nuclear research center a place where atoms are split and the future of energy is explored.
Řež’s history stretches back to 1088. King Vratislav I mentioned it in a document. Originally called Raseh or Rese its name evolved over centuries. Some believe Řež derives from řeza meaning a cutting or a channel hinting at the river’s influence. Others suggest a connection to an older Indo-European word for a place with “cutting” water.
For decades Řež was largely agricultural. Life was quiet. That all changed in the mid-1950s. The Cold War cast a long shadow. Czechoslovakia under Soviet influence embarked on ambitious nuclear research. Řež became the chosen location. In 1957 the VVR-S research reactor now known as LVR-15 started operating. This marked the first nuclear fission reaction in Czechoslovakia.
This event transformed Řež. A bustling research center emerged. Scientists from across the country and beyond came to work. New buildings rose among the fields. The village grew. The center changed its name and founder several times eventually becoming the Nuclear Research Institute.
But Řež is more than just science. It has a railway connection a pedestrian bridge spanning the Vltava. It even has its own church a small chapel dedicated to Saint Wenceslas.
In August 2002 a devastating flood struck. The research center suffered damage. The villagers faced hardship. Yet Řež rebuilt stronger and more resilient.
Today UJV Řež a.s. continues the legacy. It’s a major player in the Czech energy sector. It develops new technologies including radiopharmaceuticals for PET scans and explores hydrogen technology. International collaborations flourish. Řež’s impact extends far beyond its borders.
So next time you see this seemingly quiet village remember the hidden energy within. Remember the groundbreaking research. Remember the story of Řež. A story of science progress and resilience.