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.

Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
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 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.
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 adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.