Fast reactor developer leaves UK; Czech Republic still lacks comparable player

Fast reactor developer newcleo is changing course. It will now focus on areas that support advanced modular reactor technologies and the closed fuel cycle. Rather than the unfavourable environment on the British Isles, it is betting on partnerships in Central Europe and the Baltics. The Czech Republic currently has no comparable industrial player.

newcleo is suspending its lead-cooled fast reactor development programme in the United Kingdom and plans to significantly reduce its activities in the country. This follows a press release published at the end of July, according to which the company’s board decided to focus on regions supporting the closed fuel cycle and advanced modular reactor technologies.

Until now, the company had more than 1,100 employees at 19 locations across Europe. Since its establishment in 2021, it has focused on the design, construction and operation of Generation IV advanced modular reactors. Specifically, these are molten lead-cooled reactors using reprocessed spent fuel from nuclear facilities.