Emmanuel Macron to Chair Nuclear Policy Council Focused on SMRs and Uranium Supply

On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.

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On Monday, March 17, 2025, President Emmanuel Macron will convene the fourth Nuclear Policy Council of his mandate. This meeting takes place as France reaffirms its commitment to nuclear energy to secure its energy sovereignty and respond to current climate challenges.

Focus on Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

The Council will focus on innovative small reactor projects, also known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The objective is to concentrate government support on the most promising projects, aiming to have two operational SMRs in France by 2030. This initiative aims to position France at the forefront of nuclear innovation.

Uranium Supply: A Strategic Issue

Amid renewed global interest in nuclear energy, uranium supply has become a critical concern. Major uranium suppliers are located in Canada, Africa, and Central Asia. It is essential to equip French companies, notably Orano (formerly Areva), with the resources to guarantee long-term uranium supply, ensuring the sovereignty of France’s entire nuclear sector.

Update on the EPR2 Program

The Council will also review the progress of the EPR2 reactor program. Discussions are expected to pave the way for financing negotiations with the European Commission. This initiative aligns with France’s ambition to expand nuclear power production capacity to meet future energy demands.

Context of Macron’s Nuclear Strategy

Since his speech in Belfort in February 2022, Emmanuel Macron has positioned nuclear energy at the core of France’s energy strategy. This approach aims to strengthen the country’s energy independence and address contemporary climate challenges.

Future Energy Needs of France and Europe

Faced with growing energy demand and the necessity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, France and Europe must diversify and secure their energy sources. Nuclear power, as a low-carbon energy source, occupies a central role in this strategy. The revival of France’s nuclear program is part of efforts to ensure energy sovereignty while meeting European climate goals.

This proactive approach in the nuclear sector highlights France’s intention to maintain energy leadership and actively contribute to Europe’s energy transition objectives.

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Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into cooperation agreements with Škoda JS and Curtiss-Wright to accelerate the manufacturing of essential components and the supply of safety systems as part of its international development of modular reactors.
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Slovenské elektrárne has signed an agreement with Urenco for the purchase of enriched uranium for the Bohunice and Mochovce nuclear power plants, strengthening the diversification of its supply sources until the mid-2030s.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Company signs two major agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Westinghouse, strengthening its position in the global civil nuclear market and paving the way for new international industrial opportunities.
First Hydrogen expands its collaboration with the University of Alberta to optimise small modular nuclear reactor design and support green hydrogen development amid the growth of artificial intelligence data centres.
The French and Belgian energy ministers have signed a declaration of intent to strengthen ties between Paris and Brussels on nuclear energy, as Belgium has abandoned its 2003 nuclear phase-out plan.
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorised the restart of the Palisades power plant, marking a key milestone for Holtec in reintegrating this reactor into the US energy mix. —
The Genkai nuclear power plant detected the intrusion of three unidentified drones, prompting an immediate investigation by Japanese authorities into this unusual incident with potential national security implications.
KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.
Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.