EDF reviews its strategy regarding “small reactors”

Named Nuward, this first model of small nuclear reactors (SMR), is due to see the light of day in 2030, but the deadline is getting complicated. The French company announced on Monday that it was reviewing its plans.

EDF will review the plans for its small nuclear reactors (SMRs), the French company announced on Monday, July 1. SMRs, which differ from traditional large reactors as we know them, are developed by EDF in partnership with the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Framatome, Naval Groupe and Tractebel. The Nuward, that’s its name, is barely 15 meters high with state-of-the-art technology such as an integrated steam generator. Reactors of a size and power 10% smaller than those of the current fleet and presented as a solution for decarbonizing heavy industries that are greedy for fossil fuels on site. The objective is indeed to bring these small energy-generating reactors closer to the industrial sites that need them with tailor-made, on-site, so to speak. However, the matter is not yet ready.

A certain number of components are missing and engineers are forced to fall back on what are called “off-the-shelf” solutions, i.e. those that already exist. This makes the projects less efficient compared to the initial ambition. Is this overhaul of the small reactor project by EDF due solely to technical factors? In reality, it is the industrial strategy that EDF prefers to adapt, while continuing research to develop innovative solutions.

Breaking with the previous management of the group which, under pressure from public authorities, had, in some cases, chosen to rush forward to say to move forward at all costs, today’s EDF led by Luc Rémont (CEO in place since November 2022) does not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. The development cost of its subsidiary Nuward, planned for 2035-2040, is close to a billion euros. If it is to move forward without optimal reliability, it would be a pure loss. It is a pragmatic decision that EDF is taking by adapting its plans for its small reactors.

EDF is truly engaged in the small local nuclear reactors game and still intends to compete with the Chinese, Russians and Americans. There are 80 projects listed worldwide. But the technological challenge requires adaptation and maintaining industrial ambition without rushing things. What’s more, at a time when money, especially public money, is becoming increasingly difficult to find.