Should Europe place big bets on small modular reactors?

Although large-scale nuclear power seems set to remain a core part of Europe’s energy mix, questions persist over whether small modular reactors (SMRs) can deliver a compelling business case.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks with Sandro Baldi, Commercial Director at NUWARD SMR, EDF, about why SMRs are a viable technology in terms of meeting rising data centre demand and decarbonising industries where direct electrification is challenging. 

However, realising this potential will require more than technological readiness. To capitalise on the benefits of standardised, modular designs, Europe will need greater regulatory harmonisation. The supply chain must also be strengthened to support scaling, alongside the development of new skills and capabilities to sustain sector growth.

Baldi cautions that the time to act is now. Waiting for perfect market conditions or full alignment across Europe risks missing a critical window of opportunity.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, you will learn more about:

• The importance of SMRs in the future energy landscape of Europe;
• The role of SMRs in providing energy security, reducing emissions and meeting increasing demand;
• Key barriers to deployment;
• Policy and economic enablers for SMR projects;
• Whether Europe’s supply chain is sufficiently robust to support advancement;
• When we can expect projects to reach commercial operations;
• The projects NUWARD SMR is working on and plans for the future.

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Listen to previous episodes:

Why Latvia’s first grid-scale battery is a breakthrough for the Baltics
What will it take to truly digitalise the European power grid?

Read more about nuclear energy:

Norway greenlights assessment for nuclear SMR project
UK’s Advanced Nuclear Framework to speed up nuclear energy deployment pipeline