nucleareurope presents European Industrial Alliance on SMRs at LAS/ANS symposium
On 15 July, nucleareurope Communications and Advocacy Director Jessica Johnson took part in a panel discussion on Small Nuclear Reactors, in the framework of the 2024 Latin American Section of the American Nuclear Society (LAS/ANS) Symposium. The event, which is being held over three days, centred around the theme of regional cooperation for the energy transition, with a focus on the role of nuclear power within environmental and technological constraints.
During her intervention, Jessica presented the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), officially launched at its first General Assembly in May 2024. After highlighting nucleareurope’s instrumental role as a permanent member of the Alliance’s Governing Board, Jessica detailed the composition of the Alliance, which currently gathers 277 members from across Europe.
Insisting on the Alliance’s main objectives to facilitate and accelerate the development, demonstration, and deployment of first SMRs projects in Europe in the early 2030s, Jessica delved into the specific working methods of the Alliance, structured around 8 Technical Working Groups (TWGs), in addition to Project Based Working Groups (PWGs). 4 of the TWGs have already started their activities in June 2024, and 4 will start in October 2024. The projects supported by the Alliance are also currently in the process of being identified.
“The Alliance is built around principles of diversity and inclusiveness, openness, and transparency” said Jessica, “these principles will guide the work of the Alliance, which is set to produce its first deliverables in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, in the form of technology roadmaps and a strategic action plan”.
Jessica concluded her presentation by stressing that the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs provides a unique collaboration space for European industries involved in the development of SMRs, and showcases the great potential for innovation in the European nuclear sector.