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Released August 09, 2023 | GALWAY, IRELAND
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Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland)--France is accelerating its efforts to become a leading user and supplier of small modular reactor (SMR) technology with state-owned energy company Electricite de France (EDF) (Paris, France) presenting its first files to the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN).
The company's spinoff, EDF Nuward, has submitted the safety options file for the Nuward reactor, outlining the safety objectives, the global design features, and the main principles for operation and risk management. It is a necessary step before construction of a proposed plant can begin in 2030 at the port of Le Havre. Nuward is described as a Generation III pressurized water reactor (PWR) combining two 170-megawatt (MW) reactors for a total output of 340 MW. Nuward wants to use the technology to replace old, high CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas plants around the world and support other applications such as hydrogen production, urban and district heating or desalination. The company is receiving significant government support.
Industrial Info reported last year that in addition to the plans announced by French President Emmanuel Macron to fast-track the building of six new reactors based on the EDF's European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) design, the country also wants to become a leading player in the emerging SMR market. Macron announced a call for projects that the government will back to the tune of 1 billion euro (US$1.28 billion). Half of that will go toward projects being developed by EDF Nuward. The reactor is being co-developed with state research body CEA, shipbuilder Naval Group and TechnicAtome, the state group building nuclear power plants for France's submarines and aircraft carriers. For additional information, see November 23, 2022, article - France Powers Ahead with Faster Nuclear Rollout.
"We are thrilled to enter the pre-licensing process and we look forward to the assessment and the recommendations that will be expressed by the French Safety Authority. These will be essential to consolidate the development of our Nuward SMR," said Renaud Crassous, executive president of Nuward. "As part of our strategy to support energy transition all over the world and become the European reference for SMRs, building a reference plant in France will demonstrate the Nuward SMR's performance and competitiveness."
Nuward recently extended its cooperation on the project with Belgian engineering firm Tractebel (Brussels). Tractebel, which has had about 50 engineers working on the Nuward SMR project since 2021, has committed to doubling that number. Its work to date has included conceptual design studies for parts of the conventional island (turbine hall), the balance of plant (water intake and servicing system) and the 3D modeling of the buildings housing these systems.
Denis Dumont, chief global nuclear officer at Tractebel, commented "We are convinced that this technology will play a key role in the energy transition in Europe and worldwide. The cooperation agreement with Nuward reinforces our commitment to the development of the first European Union (EU) SMR technology. Tractebel brings a European and industrial perspective to Nuward. Our engineers have worked on projects in several European countries to investigate SMRs' potential to decarbonise heavy industries and retrofit coal power plants."
In related European SMR news, Industrial Info reported that the U.K. government has finally launched its Great British Nuclear (GBN) body to spur growth in the SMR market, inviting companies to apply for funding which could be in the billions of pounds. While not committing to an actual funding total at launch, the U.K.'s Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps told media that the contract document suggested it could top £20 billion (US$26 billion) in the future. For additional information, see August 2, 2023, article--U.K. Launches Small Nuclear Reactor Competition.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).
The company's spinoff, EDF Nuward, has submitted the safety options file for the Nuward reactor, outlining the safety objectives, the global design features, and the main principles for operation and risk management. It is a necessary step before construction of a proposed plant can begin in 2030 at the port of Le Havre. Nuward is described as a Generation III pressurized water reactor (PWR) combining two 170-megawatt (MW) reactors for a total output of 340 MW. Nuward wants to use the technology to replace old, high CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas plants around the world and support other applications such as hydrogen production, urban and district heating or desalination. The company is receiving significant government support.
Industrial Info reported last year that in addition to the plans announced by French President Emmanuel Macron to fast-track the building of six new reactors based on the EDF's European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) design, the country also wants to become a leading player in the emerging SMR market. Macron announced a call for projects that the government will back to the tune of 1 billion euro (US$1.28 billion). Half of that will go toward projects being developed by EDF Nuward. The reactor is being co-developed with state research body CEA, shipbuilder Naval Group and TechnicAtome, the state group building nuclear power plants for France's submarines and aircraft carriers. For additional information, see November 23, 2022, article - France Powers Ahead with Faster Nuclear Rollout.
"We are thrilled to enter the pre-licensing process and we look forward to the assessment and the recommendations that will be expressed by the French Safety Authority. These will be essential to consolidate the development of our Nuward SMR," said Renaud Crassous, executive president of Nuward. "As part of our strategy to support energy transition all over the world and become the European reference for SMRs, building a reference plant in France will demonstrate the Nuward SMR's performance and competitiveness."
Nuward recently extended its cooperation on the project with Belgian engineering firm Tractebel (Brussels). Tractebel, which has had about 50 engineers working on the Nuward SMR project since 2021, has committed to doubling that number. Its work to date has included conceptual design studies for parts of the conventional island (turbine hall), the balance of plant (water intake and servicing system) and the 3D modeling of the buildings housing these systems.
Denis Dumont, chief global nuclear officer at Tractebel, commented "We are convinced that this technology will play a key role in the energy transition in Europe and worldwide. The cooperation agreement with Nuward reinforces our commitment to the development of the first European Union (EU) SMR technology. Tractebel brings a European and industrial perspective to Nuward. Our engineers have worked on projects in several European countries to investigate SMRs' potential to decarbonise heavy industries and retrofit coal power plants."
In related European SMR news, Industrial Info reported that the U.K. government has finally launched its Great British Nuclear (GBN) body to spur growth in the SMR market, inviting companies to apply for funding which could be in the billions of pounds. While not committing to an actual funding total at launch, the U.K.'s Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps told media that the contract document suggested it could top £20 billion (US$26 billion) in the future. For additional information, see August 2, 2023, article--U.K. Launches Small Nuclear Reactor Competition.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).
