Small Modular Reactors – Future Development and Deployment in Europe
📢 Call for Evidence: “Small Modular Reactors – Future Development and Deployment in Europe”
On 6 November, the European Commission launched a public consultation to help shape the upcoming EU Strategy on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
🗓️ Open until: 4 December 2025
➡️ Participate here: Small modular reactors – future development and deployment in Europe
✅ What is this initiative about?
📌 The Commission plans to adopt an SMR Strategy in Q1 2026 (via a Commission Communication) aimed at creating a supportive industrial, economic, and policy framework to accelerate SMR deployment across Europe with first projects expected in the early 2030s.
📌 The strategy seeks to:
- Strengthen the competitiveness of the EU industry;
- Foster innovation in nuclear technologies;
- Provide a coherent EU approach, complementing national initiatives.
☑️ Why does it matter?
📌 More than 10 EU Member States have already expressed interest in deploying SMRs as part of their national energy and climate plans.
📌 SMRs are seen as a potential source of clean, flexible electricity and heat for residential and industrial use, including low-carbon hydrogen and efuel production.
📌 Key advantages include simplified design, enhanced safety features, factory production, reduced construction and operational costs, flexibility for multiple energy uses, and contributions to grid stability.
✅ Strategy objectives:
Building on the work of the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs, the upcoming Communication will focus on:
- Strengthening collaboration to develop a robust EU supply chain
- Enhancing regulatory cooperation and streamlining licensing processes
- Reinforcing EU leadership in research and innovation, including start-up and scale-up partnerships
- Securing a reliable nuclear fuel cycle
- Preserving and developing skills and expertise across Europe
- Addressing investment barriers
- Supporting public engagement and trust-building initiatives