SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Naarea opens a test facility for its XAMR microreactor

French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.

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

French company Naarea has announced the commissioning of its industrial laboratory I-Lab, located in Cormeilles-en-Parisis, north of Paris. This 2,400 m² center will host a team of around twenty engineers and will be used to conduct non-nuclear environment tests for the development of its advanced molten salt microreactor, the XAMR (eXtra Advanced Modular Reactor).

A center dedicated to technological testing

The I-Lab consists of three main areas. The first is dedicated to the production of cooling salts, prototyping, automated testing, and the validation of the digital architecture for Naarea’s future production units. The second area focuses on thermohydraulic experimentation, with several test loops designed to simulate the operation of the XAMR at various scales. Finally, a third section houses three specialized laboratories: a materials and chemistry laboratory for studying corrosion and mechanical resistance, an analysis laboratory for developing evaluation protocols for materials, and a gas laboratory dedicated to filtration, drying, and gas treatment systems necessary for the reactor’s operation.

A key tool for XAMR industrialization

The full-scale test loops at the facility will be used to validate studies and simulations performed by Naarea’s engineers. They will also enable the testing of new processes and materials while contributing to the technical documentation required by the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection.

Jean-Luc Alexandre, founder and CEO of Naarea, emphasized the significance of this advancement in XAMR development. “This test facility allows us to take a crucial step forward, strengthening our industrial approach and providing us with a tool tailored to our large-scale experimentation needs,” he stated.

Naarea’s objectives and prospects

Founded in 2021, Naarea aims to commercialize an ultra-compact fast neutron modular reactor using recycled fuel and thorium. Its XAMR, with a thermal power of 80 MW (40 MW electric), is designed for multiple industrial applications, including transportation, agriculture, and smart building energy management.

The company highlights the advantage of decentralized deployment, eliminating the need for a grid connection, allowing energy supply to be tailored to local needs and ensuring energy security. The first production units are expected to be available by 2030.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
T1 Energy launches construction of 2.1GW solar cell plant in Texas
Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary
Primary Hydrogen targets Q1 2026 permit for its Wicheeda North project
Ocean Winds launches its first offshore measurement campaign for the High Sea Wind project
Tokyu invests in 800 low-voltage solar plants through strategic partnership
Sweden: Videberg Kraft files first request for public aid to build two nuclear reactors
Videberg Kraft AB becomes the first company to request government support to build two new reactors at the Ringhals site, under the national nuclear investment framework adopted in 2025.
Brussels investigates €30bn public loan for two reactors in Czechia
The European Commission opens an in-depth investigation into Prague's public funding of a major nuclear project, which could reach €30bn ($32.88bn), with guaranteed revenues over forty years.
Japan approves restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, its largest nuclear power plant
Niigata's assembly officially backs the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa site, marking a key step in Japan’s return to nuclear energy following the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Japan opens public funding for nuclear projects to support reactor restarts
The Japanese government plans to fund up to 30% of loans required for nuclear projects, aiming to accelerate reactor restarts and double the share of nuclear energy in its energy mix by 2040.
Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor
French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
EDF raises cost estimate for six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion
French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
Radiant raises $300mn to industrialise its micro nuclear reactors in the United States
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum accelerates licensing process for its SOLO™ reactor with the NRC
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
Clinton and Dresden nuclear reactors granted 20-year licence extensions
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
Orano and the University of Pau launch EUR2.3mn programme to explore new uranium deposits
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
X-energy secures Doosan forgings for its SMR reactors
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Niger signs strategic deal with Russia to revive uranium mining
Niger expands its mining alliances with Uranium One to develop new sites, while the Dasa project continues seeking financing despite clear political backing.
Samsung Heavy Industries secures certification for floating nuclear platform with SMART100
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
India unveils draft law to open its nuclear sector to private investment
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T expands nuclear projects in Europe with Synthos Green Energy
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
nT-Tao develops control method to stabilise power delivery in fusion systems
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
India opens nuclear sector to private companies with landmark bill
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura launches DOE authorisation process for its MSR-1 reactor in Texas
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norway consults 22 municipalities about hosting nuclear waste facilities
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Flamanville EPR reactor reaches 100% nuclear power after 12-year delay
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).

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.