EDF plans ten modular reactors, with the first set to generate electricity in 2035

French company NUWARD, part of the EDF Group, wants to build Europe’s first series of ten small modular reactors in five EU countries. It plans to begin construction of the first unit in 2030, with electricity generation set to start in 2035.

Details of the planned European deployment of the technology were presented by NUWARD Executive President Julien Garrel during a side event at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s General Conference in Vienna. The first reactor is to be built in France, and another project is being prepared in Italy. EDF is also in talks about the potential deployment of the technology in Poland, Belgium and Finland.

First construction is due to begin in 2030

NUWARD aims to be ready to offer the new reactor commercially before 2029 and to begin construction of the first unit in 2030. According to Garrel, it should start generating electricity in 2035, with the company estimating the construction period itself at 48 months.