SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Newcleo initiates land acquisition for its SMR reactor in France

Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

Newcleo, an emerging player in the nuclear sector, has announced the start of discussions for acquiring land for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor (SMR). The targeted site is located in the Chinon Vienne et Loire community of municipalities, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. This step marks a key milestone in the company’s project, which aims to deploy a lead-cooled fast reactor technology.

A phase of consultation with local authorities

Initial discussions with local governments and national authorities have allowed Newcleo to present its project and initiate dialogue with local stakeholders. The company specifies that the entire process follows the regulations in place for large industrial projects in France, including preliminary studies essential for obtaining administrative approvals.

As part of this process, Newcleo plans to submit its project to the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP), in accordance with the Environmental Code. This public debate will provide a platform for discussion on the project’s technological, economic, and regulatory challenges.

A structured deployment timeline

According to Newcleo’s roadmap, a first non-nuclear prototype of the reactor is expected to be ready in Italy by 2026. The commissioning of the first operational reactor in France is scheduled for the end of 2031, while the final investment decision for the first commercial power plant is expected around 2029.

A strategic position in the European nuclear industry

Newcleo’s project aligns with the revival of nuclear energy in Europe. In January, the company signed cooperation agreements with Slovakian companies JAVYS and VUJE, paving the way for the construction of several 200 MWe reactors at the Bohunice nuclear site. This international expansion strengthens its position in the advanced modular reactor technology market.

With its first reactor in France, Newcleo aims to demonstrate the industrial viability of its technology while contributing to the evolution of the national nuclear sector.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
United States: Senate confirms two nominees, shifting FERC to Republican majority
Cenovus raises offer for MEG Energy to $29.80 per share with new mixed structure
Iberdrola adds 708 MW of solar capacity to joint venture with Norges Bank
EDF power solutions and El Paso Electric launch 150 MW solar facility in New Mexico
TotalEnergies sells Norwegian oil assets to Vår Energi to reduce debt
Arkansas commissions Excel Services for study on state’s nuclear future
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Belgium approves nuclear waste storage extension at Dessel
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
United Kingdom opens public consultation on Rolls-Royce modular reactor
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T seal global alliance for BWRX-300 reactors
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
Sweden prepares compensation framework to secure nuclear investments
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy plans new 1,117 MW nuclear reactor by 2037
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
Arabelle Solutions secures contract for Sizewell C turbines
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
Rome launches legislative process to reintegrate nuclear energy into its mix
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.
Framatome launches dedicated line for military nuclear propulsion in Jeumont
Framatome and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission have commissioned a specialised industrial line in Jeumont for the manufacturing of nuclear components used in French Navy vessels.
Terra Innovatum signs two strategic agreements to accelerate deployment of its modular reactor
Italian company Terra Innovatum is advancing the commercialisation of its SOLO micro-reactor, with two new partnerships and $42.5mn in funding as part of a merger with a listed company.
Orano, Navoiyuran and ITOCHU launch uranium mining at South Djengeldi site
The Nurlikum Mining joint venture enters a new industrial phase with the launch of the South Djengeldi project, targeting annual production of 500 tonnes of uranium over ten years in Uzbekistan.
Russian strike cuts power to Chernobyl site, reigniting nuclear safety concerns
The containment structure over Chernobyl’s destroyed reactor lost power after a Russian strike, as Zaporizhzhia remains cut off from external electricity for over a week.
U.S. uranium purchases reach 55.9 million pounds in 2024
Uranium deliveries to U.S. civilian operators rose 8% in 2024, while the average price climbed to its highest level since 2012, according to the latest available data.
Medvedev announces the rise of public investment in nuclear and AI
The Vice-Chairman of Russia’s Security Council believes more countries will develop nuclear weapons and generative AI technologies as a result of increasing public sector efforts.
Orano wins legal case in uranium dispute over Somaïr site
An international tribunal ruled in favour of French company Orano against the State of Niger, which had blocked the sale of uranium extracted from the Arlit mine since taking control of the site in 2023.
Oklo and Blykalla form transatlantic alliance on modular reactor development
US-based Oklo and Sweden’s Blykalla join forces to coordinate supply chains and regulatory data sharing to accelerate the commercial deployment of their metal-cooled small modular reactors.
EDF to invest €25bn to strengthen nuclear capacity by 2030
EDF plans a massive €25bn ($26.5bn) investment to modernise its nuclear fleet, focusing on reactor lifetime extension and preparing for new nuclear projects in France.
EDF nuclear costs kept under control until 2028 according to CRE
The French Energy Regulatory Commission set the full nuclear cost at €60.3/MWh by 2026, outlining the taxation thresholds applicable under the market reform scheduled for 2026.
Bulgaria begins talks for the deployment of small modular reactors
The Ministry of Energy will initiate talks with developers of small nuclear reactors after signing a cooperation agreement with the United States to conduct preliminary studies on their deployment.
EDF pushes back Flamanville EPR restart to 17 October
The restart of the Flamanville EPR reactor, initially scheduled for 1 October, has been delayed by more than two weeks due to a maintenance operation on the primary circuit.