Assess a new option for dependable power
Small modular reactors (SMR) are a strategic focus for EEH, connecting long-term energy needs with disciplined project pre-development.
Smaller reactors, modular delivery
SMRs use nuclear fission to produce heat for electricity generation or direct use. The European Commission describes a typical electrical output range of around 20–300 megawatts electric (MWe) per reactor.
Modular construction means manufacturing components or reactor modules in a factory and assembling them on site. Designs include water-cooled reactors and advanced concepts using other coolants; heat applications and operating characteristics depend on the selected technology.
Institutional context: European Commission — Small modular reactors explained
Progress varies by design and project
SMR is a technology family, not a single product at one readiness level. Grid-connected examples exist in China and Russia, while other designs are moving through development, regulatory review and first-project construction.
Institutional context: European Commission — Small modular reactors explained
Construction is a distinct milestone
At Darlington in Canada, one BWRX-300 unit is under construction. Its construction licence was granted in April 2025; the application for an operating licence remains subject to a regulatory decision.
Discuss technology screeningEurope is preparing first deployments
The EU strategy adopted in March 2026 seeks first European SMR projects in the early 2030s. This is a policy ambition, not a guaranteed commissioning date for any project.
Discuss development planningReadiness needs project-specific evidence
Technology assessment must distinguish design review, construction permission and operating experience. Our screening also considers fuel availability, delivery capability, site requirements and the commercial case.
Define a readiness assessmentInstitutional context: Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission — Darlington New Nuclear Project (updated 25 August 2026)
Institutional context: European Commission — Strategy to bring Europe’s first SMRs online by the early 2030s (10 March 2026)
We see a role for small modular reactors in a secure, low-carbon European energy system, supported by rigorous project preparation.
More options for power and heat
Successful deployment could add dependable low-carbon electricity alongside renewables and supply heat to industrial users. The value depends on the local energy need, the chosen design and a viable delivery and financing model.
Dependable electricity
Assess steady power for utilities, industry and data centres alongside variable renewable generation and network needs.
Discuss an SMR assessmentIndustrial and district heat
Evaluate process heat, district heating or hydrogen-production applications against the temperature and output available from a specific design.
Discuss an SMR assessmentCoal-site transition
Assess opportunities around retiring coal capacity, existing skills and infrastructure without assuming the site is suitable for a nuclear project.
Discuss an SMR assessmentRepeatable industrial delivery
Factory manufacture and repeat projects could improve delivery predictability. The scale of any cost or schedule advantage must be demonstrated, not assumed.
Discuss an SMR assessmentEnergy security
Consider how dependable domestic generation could support supply resilience, alongside fuel sourcing, skills and long-term operating arrangements.
Discuss an SMR assessmentSafety assessment, radioactive waste, decommissioning, cooling needs and public engagement remain central project questions. First-project costs, financing and supply-chain readiness must be tested before an investment decision.
Institutional context: European Commission — Strategy to bring Europe’s first SMRs online by the early 2030s (10 March 2026)
Prepare the questions before the commitment
We are developing capabilities in SMR project pre-development, site and grid assessment support, stakeholder and institutional engagement, and technology and partner screening. Financing structuring brings together feasibility assumptions, financial models, business plans and documentation for discussions through our financial network.
- 01
Define the energy need
- 02
Screen site and grid
- 03
Map institutions and stakeholders
- 04
Screen technology and partners
- 05
Structure the financial case
- 06
Agree development decisions
Start with the proposed location, electricity and heat demand, grid interface, water availability and project ownership. We help frame market assessment, risk allocation, operating responsibilities and the evidence needed for the next decision.
See financing preparation support ↗Build development around the applicable framework
The EU’s SMR strategy and European Industrial Alliance on SMRs support cooperation on development, supply chains and deployment readiness. A national project still requires its own regulatory, safety and institutional pathway.
Institutional context: European Commission — Small modular reactors
[TO CONFIRM: target country and national institutional framework for the proposed SMR development scope]
Discuss an early development scope ↗