A groundbreaking initiative by the Franco-Italian startup Newcleo aims to revolutionize nuclear energy with its advanced fourth-generation reactor technology. Scheduled to file a safety option dossier in December 2024, Newcleo is poised to launch its advanced fuel production facility by 2030, pending regulatory approval.
Founded in September 2021, Newcleo is focused on developing small modular reactors, specifically the Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR), which utilizes innovative mox fuel produced from recycled nuclear materials. This facility is anticipated to produce 20 tons of mox annually, representing a significant step toward sustainable nuclear energy.
Aude Boucher, the project engineer, stated, "The safety option dossier is a formal summary of our discussions with nuclear safety authorities." The approval process represents a crucial milestone, positioning Newcleo uniquely as the first to seek safety clearance for a dedicated mox fuel facility for fast reactors.
The LFR, projected to have a 30 MW demonstration reactor by 2031 and a commercial 200 MW reactor later in the decade, aims to provide electricity and heat to industrial platforms and data centers. Newcleo has initiated feasibility studies with Saipem for offshore platform energy supply, potentially expanding the applications of its technology.
Despite the ambitious timeline, challenges remain. Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, acknowledged that while no insurmountable technical barriers have been identified, the development timelines for these technologies vary. The project’s success hinges on the maturation of advanced mox fuel production, which is currently theoretical.
Newcleo is actively seeking land across Europe, aiming for sites near existing nuclear facilities to facilitate its operations. A public debate is scheduled for 2025 to discuss the overall project, emphasizing transparency and community engagement.
With a workforce of 900 and funding exceeding 537 million euros, Newcleo is rapidly expanding its capabilities. The company’s innovative approach could redefine energy production, marking a significant leap towards sustainable nuclear energy solutions.