Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors

Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.

Share:

Companies Maire S.p.A, through its subsidiary Nextchem, and French company Newcleo have announced the creation of a joint venture named NextCleo, aimed at designing and managing conventional islands and auxiliary systems for advanced modular nuclear power plants with a capacity of 200 MW.

Partnership distribution and structure

According to the binding agreement signed by both entities, Nextchem will hold 60% of NextCleo, while Newcleo will own 40%. The agreement also provides for Nextchem to initially acquire a 1.25% stake in Newcleo, potentially rising to approximately 5%, contingent upon reaching specific milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

Newcleo will directly handle the technological development of its advanced reactor, the Lead-cooled Fast Reactor Advanced System 200 (LFR-AS-200), while Nextchem will leverage its industrial expertise to deliver extended basic design, procure proprietary equipment essential for the conventional island, and manage the overall project.

Industrial and technological objectives

The company NextCleo also plans to offer its technical services to other providers active in the small and advanced modular reactor market. This strategy aims to position NextCleo as a key player within this particular industrial segment, marked by high demand for reliable modular technological solutions.

The first non-nuclear prototype of the reactor developed by Newcleo is scheduled for 2026 in Italy, with the first operational reactor expected in France by late 2031. The final investment decision for the first commercial plant is anticipated around 2029.

Complementary fuel development

In parallel, Newcleo intends to directly invest in the production of mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel required for the operation of its reactors. A pilot MOX fuel assembly line is planned at the Nogent-sur-Seine site in France, where land acquisition and public consultation processes have already begun.

Additionally, a separate partnership with Slovak company Javys has been initiated to establish up to four modular LFR-AS-200 reactors at the existing Bohunice nuclear power plant site in Slovakia.

Recently, Newcleo appointed Andrea Ruben Levi as Chairman of the Board of Directors, clearly separating executive and non-executive roles to strengthen corporate governance in line with the group’s ambitious strategic growth plan.

Lithuania establishes a working group tasked with assessing the feasibility of modular nuclear reactors to meet electricity demand estimated at 74 TWh by 2050.
Framatome has secured two significant contracts from Electrabel covering modernisation and technical support for the Tihange 3 and Doel 4 nuclear reactors, as part of their extension agreed upon between Engie and the Belgian government.
Cairo is stepping up connection works for the planned 4,800 MW El-Dabaa nuclear plant, developed with Rosatom, to feed the grid from 2026 with output equal to about seven % of national electricity.
EDF extends Flamanville EPR's shutdown to August 13 to conduct technical checks on three valves of the reactor's primary circuit, initially scheduled to resume production this week.
The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.