SMR and AMR: The Nuclear Revolution in Progress

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) are redefining the global energy landscape.

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SMR et AMR Nucléaire du Futur

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Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) represent a major breakthrough in civil nuclear power. With over 80 projects under development worldwide, these technologies promise to transform our approach to decarbonization and the energy transition. With their innovative design and versatility, these reactors could well become the stars of the world’s civil nuclear show in Paris.

SMR and AMR: What are we talking about?

The SMR concept is based on a compact, modular architecture that significantly reduces construction time and costs. In eoutre, Jean-Michel Ruggieri, Director of Iresne at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), highlights their potential for decarbonization on a local scale, notably by replacing coal-fired power plants. These reactors are designed for power ratings of less than 300MW, with components that can be prefabricated at the factory, facilitating transport and installation. Their small size also offers advantages in terms of fuel consumption and intrinsic safety.

Innovation race

To date, the SMRs in service are in Russia, with the first floating nuclear power plant. However, other projects are underway in Argentina, Canada, China and South Korea. In France, the Nuward project is scheduled for 2030, while in the USA, NuScale has suspended sales of its SMR. These projects illustrate the diversity of the applications targeted, ranging from power generation and heating to seawater desalination.

Nuward, France’s future SMR

The Nuward project, supported by EDF and other French partners, represents an important milestone in this development. Using pressurized water reactor technology, it offers innovations such as integrated steam generators, making the reactor particularly compact. Capable of producing electricity, heat or hydrogen, Nuward is positioned as a versatile solution.

By 2050, AMR could represent a technological breakthrough, enabling existing nuclear waste to be digested. The aim is to close the nuclear fuel cycle, making optimum use of materials such as uranium. The CEA has launched two start-ups to develop these technologies, with sodium-cooled or molten-salt fast neutron reactors.

SMR and AMR are shaping up to be key players in the redefinition of the energy landscape. Their development is synonymous with innovation, versatility and a commitment to a more sustainable and secure energy future.

Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.

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