European partnership to create lead-cooled small modular reactors (SMR).

Four European nuclear technology organizations have established the Eagles Consortium to advance and commercialize the EAGLES-300, a next-generation lead-cooled small modular reactor, with the goal of a demonstration by 2035.

The agreement was signed by Belgium's SCK-CEN, Italy's ENEA, Italian company Ansaldo Nucleare, and Romania's RATEN during the European Energy Council meeting, attended by various energy officials from Belgium, Italy, and Romania.

EAGLES-300 is a Generation IV lead-cooled small modular reactor. Previously known as the EU-SMR-LFR, it was chosen as one of two lead-cooled fast reactor proposals by the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors, a European Commission initiative aimed at developing the first SMR projects in Europe by the early 2030s.

Key attributes of EAGLES-300 include high power output and grid flexibility, delivering about 350 MWe, as well as suitability for industrial heat supply and hydrogen production; a modular design that reduces construction costs and allows for quicker deployment; and optimized fuel management using MOX nuclear fuel that includes recycled materials, decreasing radioactive waste and promoting sustainability.

The Eagles Consortium plans to utilize two testing facilities to aid commercialization. The LEANDREA technology demonstrator, expected to be delivered by 2035 in Mol, Belgium, will focus on fuel and materials testing, while the ALFRED project in Pitești, Romania, will be enhanced for commercial deployment. The consortium aims for global commercialization of EAGLES-300 by 2039 and takes a phased approach to ensure technical and economic feasibility at each stage.

This new agreement reinforces collaboration among consortium members, turning their existing partnership into a stronger commitment to promote sustainable nuclear energy implementation.

Giorgio Graditi, ENEA Director General, noted that the Eagles Consortium leverages its members' expertise in lead cooling technology and engineering, positioning itself as a significant hub for LFR technology in Europe, fostering collaboration and supporting the safe decarbonization of the energy mix.

Romanian Secretary of State Cristian Bușoi remarked that the signed agreement is well-aligned with the EU's Energy Strategy, as LFR technology is backed by the EU through initiatives like SNETP and ESNII for the development of Generation IV nuclear systems.