SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

EDF creates a subsidiary dedicated to the accelerated development of a small SMR reactor

EDF has created a new subsidiary, Nuward, to develop a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in France, with the aim of becoming the European leader in this field and starting construction of the reference plant in 2030.

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

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

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

The EDF Group announced on Thursday the creation of a new subsidiary, Nuward, to develop and export a small modular nuclear reactor SMR, the first of which is scheduled to start construction in France in seven years.

In France, the government has made the development of these small innovative reactors a priority of its nuclear revival, with the parallel construction of powerful reactors to complete the existing nuclear fleet with six new EPR2.

EDF has been working for more than a year on a preliminary design for a small reactor intended for mass production and to position itself in the global race for this new generation of reactors: 70 to 80 reactor projects SMR (for “small modular reactor”) and AMR (advanced modular reactor) already coexist, particularly in the United States, Canada and Russia. All of them target the market for the replacement of old coal, oil or gas-fired power plants worldwide.

Wholly owned by EDF, the new subsidiary, which wants to “become the European leader in SMR” and will recruit 150 employees by 2024, “is now embarking on the preliminary design, in line with its objective of starting construction in 2030 for the benchmark plant in France,” EDF said in a statement. “In compliance with the nuclear licensing process in force in France, the safety options file (DOS) will be submitted to the French Nuclear Safety Authority in July 2023,” EDF adds.

As the location of the reference plant has not yet been selected, Nuward will participate in the evaluation and selection of potential sites. In total, more than 600 engineers and experts are expected to contribute to the development of the new SMR, including within the EDF Group and its partners, such as CEA, TechnicAtome, Naval Group, but also Framatome and Tractebel.

According to Xavier Ursat, EDF Group Executive Director in charge of Engineering and New Nuclear Projects, quoted in the release, “Nuward has been created to serve our ambition to rapidly develop this technology” and “will be able to develop a product ready in time for its market launch”.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Northland Power invests in 300 MW battery storage through deal in Poland
Blackstone injects $1.2bn into West Virginia’s first natural gas power plant
ORE Catapult tests Danish technology to extend offshore wind blade lifespan
Kuwait launches tender for 500 MW solar project
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
Lightbridge launches irradiation testing of its fuel alloy in the United States
The Idaho National Laboratory has started irradiation testing on uranium-zirconium fuel samples from Lightbridge in its experimental reactor, marking a key step toward the industrial validation of advanced nuclear fuel.
NexGen begins final federal hearings for the Rook I nuclear project
NexGen Energy has opened Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the final approval of its Rook I uranium project, following more than six years of regulatory process.
Oklo signs contract with Siemens Energy for Aurora’s power conversion system
Oklo has signed a binding agreement with Siemens Energy to accelerate manufacturing of the energy conversion system for its first advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.
New setback for TEPCO at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa 48h before crucial political green light
A security document handling incident at the nuclear power plant renews concerns about TEPCO as a key decision on restarting reactors 6 and 7 approaches in Niigata.
Washington seals civil nuclear deal with Riyadh amid political tensions
An initial civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, prompting calls from the US Congress for strict safeguards to prevent a Middle East arms race.
CGN activates Zhaoyuan to bypass US restrictions and secure its Hualong One reactors
The launch of the Zhaoyuan nuclear project anchors the Hualong One model inland, illustrating Beijing’s strategy of regulatory normalisation in response to Western technological restrictions.
TRISO-X begins vertical construction on advanced nuclear fuel facility in Tennessee
TRISO-X has started above-ground works on the first U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing fuel for small modular reactors, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of the Xe-100.
Russia delivers key test rig for ITER project progress
The first Russian test rig for the experimental ITER reactor has been delivered to the site in France, marking a major milestone in the international collaboration on nuclear fusion.
Allseas’ nuclear concept could inject EUR130bn into Dutch economy by 2050
A strategic report reveals the industrial and energy potential of Allseas’ offshore small modular reactor, which could create up to 40,000 jobs and reduce investment in the power grid.
Japan approves partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant
Niigata’s governor is expected to approve the restart of one reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, inactive since the Fukushima accident, reviving a strategic asset for Japan’s energy sector.
Aecon partners with Norsk Kjernekraft to develop SMRs in Norway
Canadian firm Aecon and private developer Norsk Kjernekraft have signed a strategic agreement targeting the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors across several potential locations in Norway.
South Africa restarts PBMR project with strategic transfer to Necsa
The South African government has officially lifted the PBMR reactor out of inactivity, launching a public investment programme and transferring the strategic nuclear asset from Eskom to Necsa.
France locks in €100bn nuclear programme under state control
The French Court of Auditors values EDF’s grand carénage at over €100bn, while EPR2 reactors already exceed €67–75bn. The State simultaneously directs regulation, financing, and industrial strategy, raising the risk of conflict of interest.
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.
Framatome completes second test cycle on next-generation nuclear fuel
Framatome’s accident-tolerant fuel prototype has completed a second 24-month cycle in a commercial nuclear reactor in the United States, paving the way for a third phase of industrial testing.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.

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

START - 99$/year

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.