French company Newcleo has awarded a EUR70 mn ($81 mn) engineering contract to NEXT-N, its newly formed joint venture with Italy’s Nextchem, to develop the conventional island and balance of plant for its nuclear power stations based on the LFR-AS-200 advanced modular reactor technology. The project aims to support the deployment of Newcleo’s 200 MW reactors, with the first operational unit planned in France by the end of 2031.
A structuring partnership for nuclear engineering
NEXT-N, previously named NextCleo, is 60% owned by Nextchem, a subsidiary of Maire SpA, and 40% by Newcleo. The shareholding arrangement also includes a provision for Nextchem to acquire up to 5% of Newcleo’s capital by the end of 2025, pending the achievement of specific milestones. This reciprocal shareholding transfer has been approved by the relevant authorities, according to a statement issued on October 23.
The contract covers the execution of the extended basic design, procurement of critical proprietary equipment for the conventional island, and project management. NEXT-N will also offer its services to other modular and advanced nuclear technology providers, with the aim of expanding its engineering portfolio in the sector.
Integration with carbon-neutral chemistry models
The joint venture will also develop integration studies for modular reactors in hydrogen and ammonia production facilities. These efforts fall under the “E-factory for chemistry” model promoted by Nextchem, which seeks to ensure a stable and competitive energy supply for the European chemical industry.
Paris-based Newcleo is simultaneously developing a non-nuclear prototype in Italy for 2026 and has initiated site acquisition procedures for a pilot mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel line in Nogent-sur-Seine. The company has also established a joint venture with Javys to deploy up to four LFR-AS-200 reactors at the Bohunice nuclear power plant site in Slovakia.
