#Italy #Milan #Maire S.p.A #Newcleo #Advanced Modular Reactor

Maire and Newcleo Establish Joint Venture for Sustainable Energy

In a significant move for the energy sector, Maire S.p.A. and Newcleo Holding SA have announced the formation of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) aimed at delivering design and technical services for advanced nuclear power projects. This partnership centers around Newcleo’s innovative 200 MWe Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR), which is designed to tackle the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.

Highlights of the Venture

The newly established JVC will focus on providing highly qualified technical services, which includes design, critical equipment supply, and comprehensive project management integration. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as both companies aim to push forward with the development of the next generation of commercial-scale power plants that utilize Newcleo's AMR technology.

Newcleo plans to complete its first non-nuclear prototype by 2026 in Italy, with the operational reactor expected to be in France by 2031. This ambitious timeline reflects the urgency and commitment of both companies to revolutionize the energy landscape.

Advanced Modular Reactor Technology

The AMR technology embodies a circular economy model, utilizing mixed oxide (MOX) fuel derived from reprocessed nuclear waste. This approach not only supports sustainability but aligns with NEXTCHEM’s vision of a circular economy.

The JVC will accelerate the development and commercialization of Newcleo's LFR (Lead-cooled Fast Reactor) technology, with both companies contributing expertise and resources to achieve common goals. Newcleo will hold a 40% stake in this venture, reinforcing its commitment to create new intellectual property and technical services. Meanwhile, NEXTCHEM stands to gain new shares in Newcleo’s capital, contingent on meeting specified milestones.

Technical and Engineering Excellence

NEXTCHEM will contribute its robust engineering capabilities and a dedicated platform for deploying LFR-AS-200 projects. This strategic move will enable the JVC to integrate essential components such as the Conventional Island and Balance of Plant, which are crucial for converting nuclear energy into usable electricity.

Technological partnerships will also extend to other Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and AMR technology providers, positioning the JVC as a key player in industrializing the energy transition toward Generation IV nuclear technologies.

Insights from Leadership

Alessandro Bernini, the CEO of Maire, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership demonstrates our capacity to deliver a full spectrum of services for the energy transition, combining our innovative approaches with traditional engineering excellence. This marks another milestone in our mission to establish carbon-neutral chemistry models through safe, reliable, and competitive energy supply.”

Overall, this joint venture reflects a step towards fulfilling global energy sustainability goals, marrying innovative nuclear technology with proactive environmental stewardship. As both firms finalize the agreement by February 2025, the energy industry will be watching closely for their developments in the field of advanced nuclear power generation.