newcleo partners with Slovakian companies on Gen IV reactors

European nuclear energy developer newcleo has signed two agreements with Slovakian companies, JAVYS and Vuje, to advance its fuel and reactor technology.

The first agreement with Jadrová vyraďovacia spoločnosť (JAVYS), Slovakia's state enterprise responsible for spent nuclear fuel management, sets the conditions for a joint venture called the Centre for Development of Spent Nuclear Fuel Utilisation (Slovakian CVP), which will be tasked with:

• Developing and constructing an Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR)-based nuclear power plant of up to four LFR-AS-200 reactors at the Jaslovske Bohunice V1 site in the Slovak Republic;
• Ensuring the development of a nuclear fuel supply route, with the support of the French government, with the ultimate goal of the reprocessing and use of Slovak Republic spent nuclear fuels and enabling long term multi-recycling as part of a closed fuel cycle.

With JAVYS holding 51% and newcleo 49% of shares, the future joint venture will focus on developing a comprehensive solution for the reuse of spent nuclear fuel by newcleo's advanced Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (LFR) technology.

This approach aims to transform existing spent nuclear fuel into a sustainable energy source, utilising newcleo’s planned fuel manufacturing plant in France, while substantially reducing the volume of nuclear material requiring final disposal in a deep geological repository.

Have you read?
IEA predicts record nuclear growth but calls for de-risking sector
US startup in deal with data centre customer to deploy underground SMRs

The second agreement with Slovakian nuclear engineering firm Vuje, establishes a framework for technical and commercial cooperation to support newcleo’s development and implementation of LFR technology primarily in Slovakia.

As part of the cooperation agreement, newcleo aims to involve Vuje in initial feasibility study work and subsequent activities carried out by CVP.

The agreement further aims to leverage Vuje’s experience in nuclear power plant construction and commissioning, and position Slovak nuclear expertise at the forefront of the next generation of nuclear technology deployment.

Stefano Buono, founder and CEO of newcleo, commented in a statement: “This resounding endorsement at state level of our reactor technology and our aim to close the nuclear fuel cycle is testament to the role small and advanced modular reactors will play in securing Europe’s energy future and provides an example that could be used in other European countries, whose only other option for dealing with spent fuel would be costly long-term storage. The re-use of the existing nuclear spent fuel also guarantees hundreds of years of energy independence to Europe at competitive and stable prices, a necessary step to increase the competitiveness of EU Industry.

“With its 50 years of nuclear experience and existing nuclear infrastructure, Slovakia is a highly important and strategic partner for us, specifically in the development, testing, and practical application of new technologies for advanced modular reactors. These agreements not only create opportunities for Slovak industry but also represent a paradigm shift for the entire nuclear energy sector.”

Peter Gerhart, chairman of the Board of Directors of JAVYS, added: "We believe that utilising spent nuclear fuel in advanced reactors like newcleo's LFR technology offers a far more sustainable and responsible solution than simply putting it in a deep geological repository. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of nuclear waste but also provides a valuable source of energy for future generations.”

Matej Korec, CEO of VUJE, said: "This collaboration with newcleo combines our practical knowledge in nuclear power plant construction and commissioning with innovative LFR technology, positioning Slovakia at the forefront of advanced nuclear development. We see this as a significant opportunity to apply our capabilities to shaping the future of nuclear energy.”