EDF intends to develop ten small modular nuclear reactors in Europe by 2035, senior vice-president Vakisasai Ramany said on Friday at an event hosted by Italian unit Edison. The plan uses NUWARD technology. Reuters reported that the project could be worth tens of billions of euros.

The company is discussing possible sites in Poland, Belgium and Finland. The choice depends on national energy policy, infrastructure and nuclear regulators. NUWARD is not a reactor already built in series.

SMRs are designed for lower output and more standardised manufacturing than conventional plants. Supporters talk of flexibility and lower-carbon grids. Many commercial projects in the field are not yet complete.

Actual costs, the supply chain, waste and schedules remain unknown at scale. A target of ten units is not ten final investment decisions.

Each site will need financing, licensing, public consultation and contracts. This article presents a company target, not an authorised timetable.

Edison is involved in the discussion. The number of contracted reactors may differ after talks.

Through 2035, the figure ten remains a plan, not an inventory of construction sites.

Image: Cattenom nuclear plant / Wikimedia Commons. Conventional EDF reactors, not a NUWARD SMR and not a 2035 construction site. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: France’s EDF plans 10 small nuclear plants in Europe by 2035 | Reuters; NUWARD | Small modular reactor.