Paris-based company Newcleo has officially submitted technical design information for its lead-cooled fast reactor to the European Commission under the “safeguards-by-design” process, a regulatory requirement introduced by Commission Regulation (Euratom) 2025/974. This submission marks the beginning of Euratom’s review of the project’s compliance with nuclear material control rules across the European Union.
A strengthened European regulatory framework
The safeguards-by-design procedure forms part of the 3S framework, which encompasses the three pillars of nuclear regulation: safety, security, and safeguards. This process requires reactor operators to incorporate material control requirements at the design stage. It is now mandatory for all new or significantly modified nuclear facilities within the European Union.
Newcleo is among the first developers of small modular reactors (SMRs) to initiate this procedure. The company will continue this process alongside national regulatory procedures in France, in coordination with the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection (ASNR).
Industrial rollout and deployment strategy
Newcleo’s roadmap includes building a non-nuclear prototype in Italy by 2026, with the first reactor scheduled to enter service in France by 2032. The final investment decision for the first commercial power plant is expected by 2029.
Alongside its technological development, Newcleo is directly funding the establishment of a mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel production line to power its reactors. The pilot line, located in Nogent-sur-Seine, is currently undergoing public consultation and land acquisition procedures.
International ventures and regulatory development
In parallel with its activities in France, Newcleo has formed a joint venture with Slovak company Javys to deploy up to four LFR-AS-200 reactors at the Bohunice nuclear power plant site.
The Euratom safeguards review process is expected to take two years. Newcleo plans to submit its licensing application to the French Ministry of Environment by the end of 2027. The company has already submitted a safety options dossier for its fuel fabrication plant to ASNR and intends to file the equivalent documentation for its LFR reactor by the end of the month.
