French state-owned utility EDF announced on Monday that it will be switching to using existing technologies for the design of its small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) rather than continuing to develop its own innovations. The company’s SMR design subsidiary, Nuward, had reached the basic design phase, but EDF has now decided to “evolve the design” by using proven technological bricks for better feasibility.
SMRs are smaller-sized nuclear reactors that are intended to be cheaper and quicker to roll out compared to full-size models. EDF had previously advertised that its SMRs would be market-ready in the 2030s. The decision to switch to existing technologies comes after reports of internal engineering difficulties and the need to avoid delays or budget overruns.
EDF did not disclose the budget impact of the change or whether it would delay the rollout of its SMRs. The company had received state subsidies for innovation to develop its SMR technology and has signed agreements with companies across Europe to develop SMRs alongside conventional large reactors.
Overall, the switch to using existing technologies for SMR design is aimed at improving technical feasibility and ensuring the success of the project. The reorientation is expected to offer better conditions for success in developing SMRs for replacing coal-fired plants or providing localized electricity for small industrial sites or remote municipalities.
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