Nuward SMR Targets European Deployment and Collaboration

Nuward, a wholly-owned subsidiary of EDF Group, is progressing with its small modular reactor (SMR) design, following the completion of its initial design phase. The company plans to develop a series of 10 Nuward SMRs across five European countries. The goal is to commercialize the technology by 2029, begin construction in 2030, and commence initial production by 2035. The Nuward SMR is designed for multi-energy applications, including industrial clusters and district heating, with load-following flexibility.

The project emphasizes a collaborative approach, with discussions already held with stakeholders in Italy, Poland, Belgium, and Finland to foster a strong European alliance. Nuward aims for its SMR to be recognized as a European technology, leveraging existing manufacturing facilities and fuel supply chains. The construction timeline for Nuward SMRs is projected to be 48 months.

The European Industrial Alliance on SMRs is working to accelerate the development and deployment of SMRs in Europe. The alliance targets the operation of the first SMRs in the European Union by the early 2030s, with a broader objective of achieving between 17-53 GW of SMR capacity by 2050. The alliance's objectives include enhancing industrial competitiveness, supporting decarbonization, ensuring strategic independence, and securing energy supply through affordable, clean, and domestically sourced energy.

Regarding the nuclear fuel cycle, representatives from Urenco and Orano stated that Europe should optimize, harmonize, and strengthen its existing fuel cycle for light water reactors. For advanced reactors, there is a need to quickly identify and invest in the necessary industrial capabilities for fuel production. The Nuward project, initially launched in September 2019 by the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, EDF, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome, has evolved its design. The Nuward SMR will deliver 400 MW of power and offer cogeneration options up to approximately 100 MWt, utilizing established nuclear technologies to meet market demands.

Framatome Discusses Modernizing Safety I&C Systems

The American Nuclear Society hosted a Supplier Showcase webinar titled “Modernizing Safety I&C: Practical Strategies and a Path Forward for Analog and Digital Systems.” The event featured two speakers from Framatome: Logan Davenport, supervisor of product development and life cycle maintenance, and Erica Hindle, an I&C safety system software engineer.

Tata Steel Engages UK Government on Port Talbot EAF Project Power Supply

Tata Steel is engaging with the UK government to address challenges in the timely implementation of its electric arc furnace (EAF) project at Port Talbot. CEO T V Narendran confirmed that there are no delays from Tata Steel in the construction of the 3.2 million tonne capacity project, which represents a 1.25 billion pound investment.

The primary concern is the delay in securing power supply for the facility. While Tata Steel UK anticipates electricity access by 2029, a connection offer was signed with the Electricity System Operator (ESO) in May 2024. This agreement tasks National Grid with building new electrical infrastructure to power the EAF by the end of 2027. The project, supported by 500 million pounds from the government, is designed to cut site-level CO2 emissions by 90 percent, equivalent to 5 million tonnes annually. Discussions with the UK government are ongoing regarding these concerns.