Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 16, Maire SpA, an Italian technology and engineering group, along with its sustainable technology unit NextChem, has entered a memorandum of understanding with EDF and its Nuward subsidiary. The agreement seeks to identify collaboration prospects in advancing the Nuward small modular reactor initiative.

The MoU was signed last week at the World Nuclear Exhibition in Paris. Maire stated it supports the group's aim to work with providers of small and advanced modular nuclear technologies for delivering cost-effective, dependable, and eco-friendly energy. This aligns with NextChem's concept of an 'E-Factory for Low-Carbon Chemistry and Data Centres,' integrating low-carbon sources into industrial and digital operations for electrification and reduced emissions.

NextChem recently formed NEXT-N, a joint venture with French reactor developer Newcleo, to create intellectual property for the conventional island and offer specialized services for advanced nuclear plants. It utilizes Maire's strengths, including Tecnimont's expertise in project execution and modular construction, which streamlines timelines and expenses.

"We are proud to partner with leading players to support the production of nuclear electrons through SMRs to develop efficient energy for the downstream industrial and digital needs, in line with our vision of the E-Factory," said Nextchem Managing Director Fabio Fritelli. "Our goal is also to foster a highly qualified European supply chain which is essential to truly industrialise the new energy transition paradigm."

The Nuward program began in September 2019, involving the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, EDF, Naval Group, and TechnicAtome. It features a 340 MWe plant with two 170 MWe pressurized water reactors, drawing on French PWR knowledge. The design targets replacement of aging coal, oil, and gas facilities globally, plus uses like hydrogen generation, district heating, or water desalination.

Nuward's roadmap originally set detailed design and licensing start for 2026, with first concrete in France in 2030 and a three-year build for the initial unit.

In July 202 4, EDF announced design optimizations based on European customer input, emphasizing proven components to ensure schedules and costs.

In January 2025, Nuward stated: "The studies conducted in recent months have been decisive: Nuward has refined its SMR strategy to fully meet the expectations of the utilities and industry. The Nuward SMR will deliver 400 MW of power and offer an option for cogeneration, up to approximately 100 MWt. It will rely on well-known and perfectly mastered technological building blocks within the nuclear sector to offer a safe product adapted to market needs."

The firm plans to complete conceptual design by mid-2026 and introduce the product in the 2030s, starting with a pioneer unit in France.

This partnership combines Maire's engineering proficiency with Nuward's reactor innovation, accelerating practical deployment. Modular approaches reduce on-site work, enhancing safety and predictability. The collaboration strengthens European capabilities in clean energy solutions, addressing industrial decarbonization needs.

Nuward's updated 400 MW output with cogeneration flexibility suits varied applications, from power grids to process heat. Proven PWR elements ensure regulatory familiarity, easing approval processes.

NextChem's E-Factory vision incorporates nuclear baseload for chemical plants and data centers, promoting energy-intensive sectors' sustainability. The MoU facilitates knowledge sharing, potentially expanding to full project delivery.

European supply chain development underpins scalable production, creating jobs and technical expertise. As SMRs mature, they offer dispatchable low-carbon power, complementing renewables. Maire and EDF's efforts position the region at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology, supporting global energy goals.