On Monday, EDF, the French state-owned utility, announced that they have decided to switch to existing technologies for the design of their small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) instead of continuing to develop their own innovations. This change in approach is expected to increase the likelihood of technical feasibility and success.
The company’s SMR design subsidiary, Nuward, had reached the basic design phase where engineering teams could study the complete model of the plant in more detail. However, EDF has now decided to evolve the design by using proven technological bricks exclusively. This shift in approach comes after reports of engineering difficulties with their internal design.
SMRs are smaller-sized nuclear reactors that are designed to be cheaper and quicker to roll out compared to full-size models that can take decades to build. They are primarily intended to replace coal-fired plants or provide localized electricity for small industrial sites or remote municipalities. EDF’s decision to switch to using existing technologies for their SMRs comes after reports of engineering difficulties with their internal design.
Nuward had previously received innovation-related state subsidies to develop their technology, and EDF has also signed agreements with companies throughout Europe to develop SMRs alongside conventional large reactors. This shift in design approach may offer better conditions for success in the development of their SMRs.
In conclusion, EDF’s decision to switch from developing its own innovations to using existing technologies for its SMRs is expected to increase the likelihood of technical feasibility and success. The company’s SMR design subsidiary had reached the basic design phase before this change was made, but it was hindered by engineering difficulties with its internal design. With this shift in approach, Nuward will use proven technological bricks exclusively, which may offer better conditions for success in the development of their SMRs.
