EDF Abandons Innovative Designs for SMRs in Favor of Proven Technologies

In a major announcement on Monday, EDF, the French state-owned utility, revealed that it has decided to use existing technologies for the design of its small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) instead of continuing to develop its own innovations. This decision was made as Nuward, EDF’s SMR design subsidiary, reached the basic design phase and engineering teams were able to study the complete plant model in more detail.

EDF did not disclose the budget impact of this change or whether it would affect the rollout timeline of its SMRs, which were planned to be ready for market in the 2030s. However, EDF stated that by evolving the design to utilize proven technological components, they aim to increase their chances of success and simplify technical feasibility.

Small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) are smaller than traditional full-size nuclear reactors and are perceived as more cost-effective and faster to deploy. They are intended to replace coal-fired plants or provide localized electricity for small industrial sites or remote municipalities. The decision by EDF to use off-the-shelf technologies for its SMRs follows reports of engineering difficulties within the internal design process.

Nuward, EDF’s SMR design subsidiary, had previously received state subsidies for innovative technology development. EDF has established partnerships with companies across Europe to develop SMRs alongside conventional large reactors. This shift in approach may help EDF overcome challenges and avoid delays or budget overruns as it continues to move forward with its nuclear reactor projects.

Overall, this decision by EDF marks a significant shift in approach towards using proven technologies rather than developing new innovations in order to increase their chances of success and simplify technical feasibility in designing small modular nuclear reactors (SMR).