European Commission Establishes European Industry Alliance on Small Modular Reactors

The European Commission has established the European Industry Alliance to accelerate the development, demonstration and deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs) in Europe by the early 2030s. Applications for membership in the Alliance are open until 12 April 2024.

The main objective of the Alliance is to strengthen the nuclear supply chain in Europe by utilizing its manufacturing and innovation potential and strengthening cooperation with the EC.

The Alliance aims to cover a wide range of SMR stakeholders, including suppliers, utilities, specialized nuclear companies, financial institutions, research organizations, training centers and NGOs, etc.

The Alliance’s work will focus on:

• strengthening the European nuclear energy supply chain by identifying and addressing gaps and promoting close cooperation between stakeholders;
• supporting SMR designers in the development, demonstration and deployment of their designs in the EU market and beyond by identifying and removing barriers and working with financial investors, industry and local authorities;
• establishing ways to inform and engage potential industrial users of SMRs such as energy-intensive industries, hydrogen producers, industrial areas of the cities;
• promoting and coordinating projects aimed at meeting future research and innovation needs, in particular on advanced modular reactors within the Euratom Research and Training Program, as well as through the establishment of a Nuclear Skills Academy supported by the Net-Zero Industrial Platform;
• involving the public in the discussion of small modular reactors, through cooperation with public and non-governmental organizations, as well as with relevant international organizations, to help European SMR designs enter international markets.

The European Small Modular Reactor Industry Alliance will help support the safe and cost-effective development of a dynamic and innovative nuclear energy supply chain in Europe, and contribute to the creation of a large internal SMR market and a strong industrial base in line with the EU Green Deal Industrial Plan and the Zero Emission Law.

According to the European Commission