SMR and AMR: The Nuclear Revolution in Progress

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) are redefining the global energy landscape.
SMR et AMR Nucléaire du Futur

Partagez:

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.

  • Populaires ​
Q ENERGY inaugurates Europe’s largest floating solar power plant
Nepal Identifies Major Methane Reserve Estimated at 112 Billion m³
Tesla Signs $560 Million Contract for Electricity Storage in China
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
Iraq Suspends Oil Projects Amid Regional Conflict and Strained Logistics
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
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.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
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.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
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.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
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.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
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.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
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.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
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 acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
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 launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
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.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
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.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
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.
Four European organisations join forces to develop innovative nuclear reactor
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS