Commission launches new European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors

The Commission is launching today a call for membership applications for the new  European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

SMRs are nuclear reactors that are much smaller than conventional nuclear power plants, and their production can rely on factory-assembled systems and components. By enhancing cooperation at EU level, the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs will accelerate the deployment of the first SMRs in the EU by the early 2030s. This will be done under the highest standards of nuclear safety and security, and environmental sustainability, while promoting industrial competitiveness.

The Communication highlights that all zero and low-carbon energy solutions (including renewables, nuclear, energy efficiency, storage, CCS, CCU, carbon removals, geothermal and hydro-energy, and all other current and future net-zero energy technologies) are necessary to decarbonise the energy system in the next decades.

Today’s call for membership applications is addressed to a wide range of stakeholders including vendors, utilities, specialised nuclear companies, financial institutions, research organisations, training centres, and civil society organisations that fulfil the eligibility criteria provided in the Terms of Reference of the Alliance. The initial call will be open for applications until 12 April, followed by subsequent calls to guarantee up to date membership.

SMRs have several advantages over conventional nuclear power plants. They are considerably more flexible in terms of site selection, speed of construction as well as the amount of cooling water needed. They also hold a bigger appeal to private investors thanks to their lower initial costs and shorter development timelines. They are well-suited for use in integrated energy hubs (e.g. combined with sometimes intermittent renewable energy) and for replacing fossil-fuelled power plants. They are able to supply electricity as well as heat for industry and district heating and could be used to produce low-carbon hydrogen.

See the dedicated news item for more details.