The European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) has endorsed nine nuclear projects in a pivotal move towards deploying SMR technologies across Europe by the early 2030s. This initiative, announced on October 11, represents the alliance’s first selection of project working groups (PWGs) from 22 applications received in response to a June 2024 call for projects.
The selected projects include a diverse array of reactor designs, reflecting various applications in power generation and industrial use. Notable projects include the EU-SMR-LFR initiative led by Ansaldo Nucleare, the CityHeat project by Finnish startup Steady Energy, and the NuScale VOYGR SMR developed by RoPower Nuclear S.A. Other projects include Project Quantum by Last Energy, the European LFR AS project from newcleo, and the Rolls-Royce SMR initiative.
While the alliance’s endorsement does not equate to direct funding, it provides these projects an opportunity to foster collaboration among stakeholders, including SMR developers, regulators, and supply chain entities. This collaborative environment aims to address technical, regulatory, and logistical challenges effectively.
The alliance, established in February 2024 as a public-private platform by the European Commission, aims to cultivate a robust nuclear ecosystem throughout Europe. In addition to supporting SMR projects, the alliance intends to tackle supply chain gaps, explore innovative funding models, and engage critical industrial sectors such as hydrogen production. The establishment of a proposed Nuclear Skills Academy is also on the agenda to enhance workforce capabilities and raise public awareness about nuclear energy.
The first batch of projects demonstrates a wide range of reactor technologies, including lead-cooled fast reactors, pressurized water reactors, and micromodular nuclear plants. For example, Ansaldo Nucleare’s EU-SMR-LFR project aims to develop a modular fast-neutron lead-cooled reactor, ALFRED, with operational capabilities projected by 2040.
Similarly, the CityHeat initiative focuses on a low-temperature 50-MW PWR designed for district heating and industrial applications, with plans to construct a pilot plant in Finland. Steady Energy aims to deploy its first commercial plant by 2030, addressing the urgent need for zero-emission solutions to replace aging heat facilities across Europe.
Newcleo’s European LFR AS project seeks to recycle spent nuclear fuel, while EDF’s Nuward initiative aims to develop a 340-MWe PWR technology by the 2030s. Meanwhile, the European BWRX-300 SMR project led by ORLEN Synthos Green Energy focuses on simplifying the licensing process and building a robust supply chain in the EU.
As the alliance moves forward, non-selected projects will have the chance to reapply in the second quarter of 2025 after refining their proposals. This progressive approach underscores Europe’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology and achieving its energy goals in the face of climate change and energy demands.
Related topics:
