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
AfDB grants $7.41mn to Liberia to complete hydroelectric power plant
South Korea under pressure from the IEA to liberalise its electricity market
Iberdrola launches a public offer to acquire 100% of Neoenergia in Brazil
KEPCO and ENEC strengthen alliance on nuclear and artificial intelligence
Iberdrola sells 757 MW of French onshore assets to Technique Solaire
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye
Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
Zhangzhou’s second reactor delivers first kilowatt-hours to the grid
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.
Rosatom receives approval to 3D-print SMR components
Russian state nuclear group Rosatom has validated the additive manufacturing of parts for its small modular reactors, marking an industrial first for RITM-200 SMR plant equipment.
Maritime Fusion raises $4.5mn to bring fusion energy to commercial ships
California-based Maritime Fusion, backed by Y Combinator and Trucks VC, is betting on a decentralised approach to fusion to target maritime and off-grid applications.
Bayridge Resources acquires 51% of Baker Lake uranium project in Nunavut
Bayridge Resources secures a majority stake in an advanced uranium project in Canada, strengthening its strategic presence in a geologically promising region.
Over 15,000 tonnes of recycled concrete from Sizewell A reinjected into Sizewell C
A significant volume of concrete from the dismantling of the Sizewell A nuclear power plant is being transferred to support the foundations of the Sizewell C project, under a partnership between UK nuclear sector stakeholders.
US Army selects nine bases for future deployment of nuclear microreactors
The Janus programme will deploy micro nuclear power plants across nine military bases to reinforce energy autonomy for critical U.S. Army installations.
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.

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.