EDF, a French state-owned utility, has announced that it will be using existing technologies for the design of its small modular nuclear reactors (SMR) instead of continuing to develop its own innovations. This decision comes after Nuward, EDF’s SMR design subsidiary, reached the basic design phase, allowing engineering teams to study the complete plant model in more detail.
Small modular nuclear reactors are smaller in size compared to traditional full-size nuclear reactors and are perceived as more cost-effective and faster to deploy. They are intended to replace coal-fired plants or provide localized electricity for small industrial sites or remote municipalities. EDF’s decision to use off-the-shelf technologies for its SMRs follows reports of engineering difficulties within the internal design process.
This shift in approach may help EDF overcome challenges and avoid delays or budget overruns as it continues to move forward with its nuclear reactor projects. Nuward previously received state subsidies for innovative technology development, but now EDF has established partnerships with companies across Europe to develop SMRs alongside conventional large reactors. By evolving the design to utilize proven technological components, EDF aims to increase the chances of success and simplify technical feasibility. The company did not disclose the budget impact of this change or whether it would affect the rollout timeline of its SMRs, which were planned to be ready for market in the 2030s.