Calogena files for approval of its nuclear heating boiler for urban areas

The startup Calogena has taken a crucial step forward in its low-power nuclear boiler project for urban heating, submitting an application for approval to the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Calogena, a startup specializing in innovative nuclear technologies, has officially filed its safety option application (DOS) for a 30-megawatt (MW) thermal nuclear boiler. This facility, using uranium fuel, is designed to supply urban heat networks with carbon-free energy, aiming to reduce cities’ reliance on fossil fuels.

The Gorgé Group, supporting Calogena in this initiative, described this submission as a “major milestone” in realizing the project. According to the company’s press release, this file marks the culmination of several months of preparatory review with ASN, during which the technical characteristics of this boiler were thoroughly examined. The project now enters a pre-assessment phase, expected to last approximately two years before potentially moving to the next step: the review of the creation authorization application (DAC). ASN, the French nuclear facility regulator, has confirmed receipt of the file and the commencement of the preliminary assessment process.

A growing urban market

The uniqueness of Calogena’s solution lies in the use of research reactor technologies, known as “pool-type” reactors, which are well-known to authorities and recognized for their increased safety. These small modular reactors (SMRs) are significantly smaller in power than traditional nuclear reactors, allowing for potential installation near urban centers. According to Julien Dereux, CEO of Calogena, the design includes multiple safety barriers to prevent core meltdown, a central concern in nuclear reactor design.

The commercial potential of this nuclear boiler is substantial. Calogena sees in the urban heating market a promising sector, especially in Northern and Eastern Europe, where demand for low-carbon heating is on the rise. This sector currently represents several tens of billions of euros, motivating the company to explore multiple sites in France and Finland for a first installation.

Calogena, an advanced French SMR project

With this project, Calogena positions itself as one of the pioneers in the SMR field in France. The company is moving closer to the first commissioning, a strategic goal in a sector still dominated by large electricity-producing reactors. Unlike these reactors, Calogena’s boiler is specifically designed for heating, enabling the supply of heat networks with a low-carbon energy source. According to Gorgé Group, the use of commercially available fuel and an existing reprocessing chain adds a practical and sustainable dimension to the project.

Calogena’s application for approval comes in a context of heightened competition in the SMR market in France. EDF, for instance, has also launched initiatives in this area with the Nuward project, although it is currently revising its design. Additionally, other startups like Jimmy are exploring similar technologies and have already initiated procedures to obtain a DAC. However, Calogena appears to be the French startup closest to commercializing a functional SMR.

A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.