Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a strategic lever in the reshaping of the American energy market. DevvStream Corp., IP3 Corporation, Southern Energy Renewables Inc., and XCF Global Inc. have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to assess a collaborative framework around electricity production from SMRs, the manufacturing of sustainable aviation fuels, and the monetisation of environmental attributes. This initiative aims to build an integrated low-carbon energy production model for critical industrial applications.
A response to continuous energy demand for industry
If definitive agreements are reached, the project would provide stable electricity to high-consumption sites such as data centres, synthetic fuel refineries, or industrial platforms. The framework plans to use electricity generated by SMRs to support electrolysis processes, hydrogen production, and the synthesis of low-carbon fuels, including within a proposed refinery project in Louisiana. Surplus energy production could also be offered to third-party industrial clients through power purchase agreements.
The signatories see this collaboration as a way to accelerate the construction of critical energy infrastructure based on recent nuclear technologies. The goal is to combine supply reliability with industrial decarbonisation capabilities in a context of sustained energy demand growth, particularly in the digital and manufacturing sectors.
Environmental structuring and attribute monetisation
Beyond energy production, the partners aim to establish an ecosystem for the monetisation of environmental attributes that comply with evolving market requirements. Tools under consideration include Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) certificates and book-and-claim systems, allowing companies to claim verified emissions reductions even without physical fuel delivery. These frameworks would address the needs of businesses facing increasing regulatory and reporting obligations or pursuing carbon neutrality targets.
The agreement also includes plans to develop a digital infrastructure to ensure transparency and auditability. The use of digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems is under discussion, as well as the tokenisation of environmental assets. This approach seeks to guarantee traceability of emissions reductions while facilitating their exchange on secondary markets.
An industrial strategy geared toward export and digital markets
The proposed model could be expanded internationally, especially in Europe, where demand for sustainable fuels and stable electricity sources is rising. IP3 Corporation, one of the signatories, aims to develop SMR platforms serving both government and commercial clients. This strategy addresses the growing energy needs of data centres powered by artificial intelligence, national defence, and advanced production chains.
Meanwhile, other nuclear sector players continue to advance their own initiatives. Constellation Energy Corporation was recently awarded for a long-term power purchase agreement with Microsoft, leading to the restart of a nuclear unit in Pennsylvania. NuScale Power Corporation supports its strategic partner ENTRA1 Energy in a U.S.-Japan investment programme that could mobilise up to $25bn to build a fleet of SMR plants with specific objectives in defence, AI, and heavy industry.
A growing nuclear market despite persistent constraints
According to several research firms, the global nuclear market is expected to reach between $38bn and $42bn in 2026, up from approximately $40.48bn in 2025. This trend reflects the increasing reliance of states on dispatchable low-carbon electricity sources. While SMRs are gaining traction, the nuclear sector still faces structural constraints, including high upfront capital costs, long construction timelines, and public concerns over safety and waste management.
Nevertheless, deploying civil nuclear technology for targeted industrial uses, alongside digital and environmental monetisation mechanisms, could strengthen the role of this technology in a rapidly evolving energy mix. The approach taken by DevvStream, IP3, Southern, and XCF illustrates a move toward energy specialisation through intersectoral partnerships and integrated technology platforms.
