The EU has outlined plans to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) by the early 2030s to support climate change goals, energy security and industrial growth.
The European Commission has presented a new strategy aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of small and advanced modular reactors across the European Union, positioning the technology as a potential pillar of the region’s long-term energy system.
The plan, published alongside the Commission’s latest Nuclear Illustrated Program (PINC), outlines how SMR and AMR can support Europe’s transition to climate neutrality, while strengthening energy security and industrial capacity.
Officials say concerted action between governments, regulators, industry and investors is essential for the first commercial projects to be operational in the early 2030s.
“Small modular nuclear reactors are a safe nuclear technology that can contribute to providing reliable, domestically produced, carbon-free energy, increasing industrial competitiveness, and strengthening energy security,” said Energy and Housing Secretary Dan Jorgensen.
“We are setting a clear path for Europe to move from research to concrete projects as quickly as possible. Europe must remain at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technologies, including advanced modular reactors, because without industry leadership we cannot be competitive.”
The EU considers SMR and AMR to be part of the future energy mix
Small modular reactors differ from traditional nuclear power plants primarily in their size and design.
Rather than building large reactors entirely on site, SMR technology relies on smaller units that can be manufactured in factories and transported for installation and final assembly at power plants.
A modular approach has the potential to shorten construction schedules and reduce costs compared to traditional nuclear projects. It may also be possible for countries with small electricity grids or limited capital investment capacity to integrate nuclear into their energy mix.
European officials say these systems could be used in conjunction with renewable generation to help stabilize power supplies.
Beyond power generation, advanced modular reactor SMR technology has the potential to provide low-carbon heat for district heating systems, industrial processes, and hydrogen production.
The European Commission notes that sectors with rapidly increasing electricity demand, such as data centers, could also benefit from the stable output that nuclear reactors can provide.
Projected production capacity growth by 2050
Estimates suggest that small and advanced modular reactors could contribute between 17 gigawatts and 53 gigawatts of installed capacity in the EU by 2050, depending on how quickly projects move from development to deployment.
Achieving this scope will require significant investment and coordinated industrial planning. Brussels hopes that a fleet-based approach, deploying multiple reactors of the same design in multiple locations, could help reduce costs and create economies of scale.
The European Commission also highlighted the potential of this technology to stimulate Europe’s manufacturing supply chain, from reactor components to fuel cycle services.
Industry coordination and supply chain development
A central part of the strategy focuses on strengthening industrial cooperation across the EU. The commission encourages companies and research institutes to develop common technical standards to support serial production of nuclear reactor modules.
Officials say maintaining strong European supply chains will be critical. The strategy emphasizes a high level of participation of local industry and the development of manufacturing capabilities within the EU.
The European Industrial Alliance for SMR, which brings together companies, research institutes and national authorities, is expected to play a key role in coordinating this effort.
Regulation, skills and innovation
The Committee also identified regulatory coordination as a key element for the timely deployment of SMR and AMR projects.
The strategy proposes close cooperation between national nuclear regulatory authorities, including early joint evaluation of new reactor designs.
Regulatory sandboxes created under the EU’s net-zero industry law could allow developers to test innovative technologies under controlled conditions.
In addition, the Commission is promoting the creation of an “SMR Valley”, a regional industry cluster aimed at bringing together manufacturers, developers, investors and research institutions working on modular nuclear technology.
Funding for skills development and innovation is also needed to support unprecedented projects. Start-ups, scale-ups, research institutes, and established nuclear companies are expected to contribute to technological advances.
Investment needs in the European nuclear sector
In parallel with the SMR strategy, the European Commission has published a final PINC assessing future investment requirements for the entire European nuclear sector.
The report estimates that around 241 billion euros will be needed by 2050 to support member states’ nuclear programs. This figure includes spending on extending the life of existing nuclear reactors and building new large-scale nuclear facilities.
Additional funding may be required to fully develop emerging technologies such as advanced modular reactors, small modular reactors and nuclear fusion.
The EU also plans to expand cooperation with international partners working on modular nuclear technology, while maintaining strategic autonomy in critical nuclear power supply chains.
Further policy proposals are expected later this year, including a separate EU strategy focused on heating and cooling systems.
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