Newcleo Opens Advanced MOX Fuel Development Center in France

Newcleo has opened its EUR10 million (USD11 million) advanced nuclear fuel engineering, testing, and training center in Chusclan, located in the Gard department of southern France. This facility, named FASTER (Fuel process Assembly Storage Training and Enhanced Reality), is designed to support the development and manufacturing of mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel for Newcleo's small modular lead-cooled fast reactors.

The FASTER facility provides advanced engineering, prototype testing, and immersive training capabilities for Newcleo’s fuel team, which consists of approximately 100 engineers and specialists. The center operates on a "test and learn" approach, translating concepts into prototypes and test mock-ups for refinement and industrial deployment. Seven test facilities are currently operational, with more under development.

MOX Fuel Manufacturing and Recycling

The facilities at FASTER address various stages of MOX fuel manufacturing, including powder dosing optimization, glovebox ergonomics, pellet handling, fuel pin assembly and decontamination, pellet inspection, and helium filling. Newcleo plans to fabricate MOX nuclear fuel, which is produced using a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides, to power its lead-cooled fast reactors and potentially other third-party off-takers.

MOX fuel, when used in fast reactors, enables the multi-recycling of nuclear fuel in a closed fuel cycle. This circular approach aims to extract more energy from natural uranium compared to traditional once-through fuel cycles in thermal reactors, while also reducing the volume and radioactivity of nuclear waste.

Regulatory Submissions and Investment

In December 2024, Newcleo submitted its Safety Options File to the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection (ASNR) for its proposed mixed-oxide fuel assembly facility. The ASNR's official opinion on these safety options will contribute to the authorization application for the facility's construction. In July, ASNR issued an opinion on Newcleo's proposed safety features, deeming the company's safety approach satisfactory at that stage.

Newcleo intends to directly invest in a MOX plant to fuel its small modular lead-cooled fast reactors. The company has proposed deploying an advanced MOX fuel fabrication facility in the Aube department of France, near Nogent-sur-Seine, to manufacture fuel for its future European reactors. This project represents an initial investment of EUR1.8 billion (USD2.1 billion) and could eventually include three production lines. An additional investment of EUR3.2 billion by 2040 could enable the creation of two more lines.

Newcleo's roadmap includes the first non-nuclear precursor prototype of its lead-cooled fast neutron reactor being ready this year in Italy, with the first reactor operational in France as early as 2032. The final investment decision for the first commercial power plant is anticipated around 2029.

Bluecore Energy Advances 10 MW Floating SMR Development with Uranium Acquisition and Regulatory Engagement

Uranium Procurement and Fuel Development

Bluecore Energy has acquired uranium hexafluoride (UF6) enriched to 4.95% U-235 from WMC. This material is currently stored at a U.S. nuclear fuel facility as Bluecore Energy develops its plans for future fuel fabrication, testing, and validation. This acquisition marks a step in transitioning the company's technology from engineering and non-fueled hardware development towards fuel-related processes and eventual deployment.

Regulatory and Classification Progress

The company is simultaneously developing its safety, regulatory, and maritime classification pathways. In August, Bluecore Energy initiated pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under 10CFR50, presenting its design overview and regulatory strategy. The U.S. Coast Guard also participated in this meeting.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June between the NRC and the U.S. Coast Guard establishes a framework for coordinating requirements and processes for civilian maritime nuclear projects. This MOU is crucial for addressing the lack of a specific regulatory framework for siting floating nuclear power plants in U.S. harbors, potentially streamlining regulatory processes where both agencies have jurisdiction.

In addition to U.S. regulatory compliance, Bluecore Energy is working with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for marine vessel classification, hull structural integrity, and maritime engineering safety. The company emphasizes that its systems are designed for deployment on floating maritime platforms, offering flexibility for future operations in various maritime locations, including potential offshore deployments to support ports, AI data centers, and coastal infrastructure.

Reactor Design and Testing

Bluecore Energy's reactor is a 10 MW PWR that will utilize nuclear fuel enriched to 4.95% U-235. The company plans to deploy these reactors on multiple tethered floating barges, branded as the Nautilus Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP). The reactor's primary coolant system operates at approximately 315°C (599°F) under high pressure, with the primary loop designed to isolate radioactive inventory. Heat rejection will use closed-circuit cooling systems that interface with maritime water loops or ambient heat sinks without releasing irradiated water.

A non-nuclear, non-fueled prototype hull and an electrically heated test pressure vessel are under construction at the company's headquarters in the Port of Long Beach. These prototypes will be used to test hydrodynamic water-flow behavior, sea-motion dynamics, and thermal hydraulics. The barges are designed to withstand harbor conditions, including wave action, tidal drift, seismic shocks, and collision risks, incorporating compartmentalized marine collision bulkheads and passive containment barriers. The entire nuclear island, turbine train, containment shell, and balance of plant are intended to be pre-integrated in a shipyard environment, bypassing traditional on-site civil concrete construction.

Kairos Power Secures $643 Million for Hermes 2 Reactor and Manufacturing Expansion

Kairos Power LLC has obtained $643 million in financing for the construction of its Hermes 2 demonstration reactor in Tennessee and for the expansion of manufacturing capabilities at a plant site in New Mexico. The funding comprises $368 million from investors, including Google Ventures and DCVC, and $275 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. An additional $100 million, with $70 million in cash, was secured from Samsung C&T Corp. through a recently announced partnership. This funding will support Samsung's role as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for Kairos reactors.

Kairos Power will manage the reactor technology, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction for the nuclear island. Samsung C&T will support selected engineering and construction activities, focusing on power-generation systems and the balance of plant. Samsung C&T's contribution includes direct investment and in-kind engineering services, subject to regulatory approvals, to facilitate the delivery of the Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This collaboration aims to enhance technical and execution readiness, building on a trilateral memorandum of understanding signed by Samsung C&T, Kairos Power, and Barnard Construction on August 18, 2026.

Hermes 2 Reactor Development

Kairos Power received construction permits for the Hermes 2 plant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in December 2024 and began groundwork in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in April 2026. Once licensed and operational, the 50 MWe grid-connected reactor will demonstrate KP-FHR technology. This demonstration aims to reduce technical, licensing, manufacturing, and construction uncertainties for future commercial plants. The U.S. Department of Energy supports this development through an Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program risk reduction award.

The Hermes 2 plant is Kairos Power's initial deployment under an agreement with Google to develop an advanced reactor fleet. It is designed to supply up to 50 megawatts of electricity to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grid, contributing to the decarbonization of Google data centers in Tennessee and Alabama. Hermes 2 will incorporate lessons learned from the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor (Hermes 1), which began nuclear construction at the same site last year. The Hermes series will be the first fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (KP-FHRs), utilizing TRISO coated particle fuel and Flibe molten fluoride salt coolant.

KP-FHR Technology

Kairos Power's commercial offering is a modular, scalable, and affordable energy solution designed for multi-unit deployment. The high-temperature reactor combines TRISO particle fuel with molten fluoride salt coolant, supporting efficient electricity production and inherent safety. The company has progressed toward commercializing KP-FHR technology, leveraging engineering, manufacturing, operational, and regulatory experience.

Technology Class: Solid-fueled/Molten salt cooled
Reactor Type: Graphite-moderated, fluoride salt-cooled, high temperature reactor
Power Output: KP-X Demonstration Plant (50 MWe), KP-FHR Commercial Fleet (each unit will be 75 MWe)