Final investment decision on nuclear plant expected in 2029
A new company set up to help design new-generation nuclear power plants has been awarded a €70m ($81m) contract to develop the basic design of the conventional island and balance of plant of a first-of-a-kind nuclear power plant based on European nuclear technology company newcleo’s 200 MW advanced modular reactor (AMR).
NEXT-N has been established by Italy-based engineering and construction company Maire to create new intellectual property for the conventional island and provide highly qualified technical services in the field of new-generation nuclear power plants.
Maire said NEXT-N will “facilitate and accelerate” the development and commercialisation of the LFR-AS-200, as well as other technologies.
According to newcleo, the final investment decision for the new AMR, known as the LFR-AS-20, is expected around 2029.
The new company will also be involved in the development of advanced factory solutions for data centres and low-carbon chemistry, with studies on the integration of small modular reactors, hydrogen, and ammonia.
NEXT-N was formerly known as Nextcleo and was set up earlier this year as a joint venture between Maire and newcleo.
