SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Newcleo submits its advanced modular reactor for UK evaluation

The Newcleo Group has filed an application with UK authorities for the evaluation of its lead-cooled fast modular reactor, aiming to penetrate the UK nuclear market.

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

The France-based Newcleo Group has submitted its lead-cooled fast reactor, the LFR-AS-200, to the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process under the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). This process, managed by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency (EA), assesses the safety, security, and environmental compliance of nuclear technologies intended for deployment in the UK.

Objectives of the Assessment

The Generic Design Assessment is a mandatory framework for any new nuclear technology proposed in the UK. The process consists of two phases and is expected to take approximately two years, starting in 2025. Upon completion, it will result in two key certifications: a design confirmation from the ONR and a design acceptability statement from the EA.

Newcleo’s Expansion Strategy

Newcleo plans to implement its first 30 MWe reactor in France by 2030, followed by a commercial 200 MWe unit in the UK by 2033. This ambition is supported by the planned construction of a plant dedicated to producing mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) to fuel its reactors, with feasibility studies conducted by the French group Orano.

A Competitive Position in the Nuclear Sector

Newcleo’s application marks a first for advanced modular reactors. The company is now the only developer to simultaneously submit applications for the GDA process and for a regulatory justification decision in the UK. This initiative is part of a broader strategy, as Newcleo has also been selected to participate in European projects under the European Industrial Alliance for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Context and Outlook

The UK, in its nuclear strategy, opened the GDA process to advanced technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), in 2021. Several companies, such as Rolls-Royce, GE Hitachi, and Holtec International, are currently undergoing similar evaluations with their reactor designs.

Newcleo’s submission reflects its intention to secure a prominent position in the UK market, further solidifying its role as a leading developer of cutting-edge nuclear technologies.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
TotalEnergies to supply 1.5 TWh of solar electricity to Google over 15 years in the United States
VoltaGrid raises $5.0bn to deploy 4.3 GW of capacity by 2028
India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects
NextNRG posts 196% revenue growth in October
Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
The Wylfa site in Wales will host three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors from 2026, marking a strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear expansion.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.
Oklo secures key approval for upcoming nuclear fuel facility
The accelerated approval of the Aurora facility’s nuclear safety plan marks a strategic milestone in rebuilding a domestic nuclear fuel production line in the United States.
Industrikraft takes 20% stake in Videberg Kraft to support Ringhals nuclear project
The Industrikraft consortium will invest SEK400mn ($42.2mn) to become a shareholder in Videberg Kraft, marking a new phase in Sweden’s nuclear project led by Vattenfall on the Värö Peninsula.
Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant
MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
TVEL resumes nuclear cooperation with Vietnam through new fuel delivery
The delivery of nuclear fuel by Russian subsidiary TVEL to the Da Lat research reactor marks a key step in strengthening the nuclear commercial partnership between Moscow and Hanoi.
X-energy signs $40mn agreement with Toyo Tanso for initial Xe-100 reactors
US supplier X-energy has formalised a graphite supply contract with Japan's Toyo Tanso for the construction of its first four small modular reactors, in partnership with Dow and backed by the US Department of Energy.
Enveniam appointed lead integrator for LIST Technologies’ laser uranium enrichment project
US-based Enveniam has signed an agreement with LIS Technologies Inc. to oversee the design and construction of a new laser-based uranium enrichment facility on American soil.
Swedish industrial players inject €36.4mn into Vattenfall’s future nuclear reactors
A consortium led by Swedish giants such as ABB, SSAB and Volvo will invest SEK400mn to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors through a strategic partnership with Vattenfall.
Fusion Fuel Cycles joint venture begins construction of UNITY-2 test facility
Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.
Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France
Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.
Sweden lifts uranium mining ban starting January 2026
Sweden’s parliament has approved a major reform authorising uranium extraction, opening the door to a reassessment of the economic potential of mining projects containing this strategic mineral.
Koeberg Unit 2 granted 20-year extension for nuclear operation
South Africa's regulator has authorised Koeberg Unit 2 to operate until 2045 following maintenance work and a long-term safety assessment.
Orano recovers its representative in Niger amid growing nuclear tensions
French nuclear group Orano has confirmed the release of its representative in Niger, detained since May, as tensions remain high with the country’s junta over control of uranium assets.
EDF turns to digital solutions to support France’s nuclear revival
EDF launches a sovereign digital platform to secure data exchanges between nuclear stakeholders, aiming to accelerate the construction of future EPR2 reactors.
ONE Nuclear outlines its strategy ahead of expected 2026 public listing
ONE Nuclear Energy publishes a virtual presentation for investors detailing its industrial vision, ahead of its merger with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp. VII expected in the first half of 2026.

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.