The EU has outlined plans to deploy small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced modular reactors (AMRs) by the early 2030s to support climate targets, energy security and industrial growth.
The European Commission has presented a new strategy aimed at speeding up the development and deployment of small and advanced modular reactors across the European Union, positioning the technology as a potential pillar of the bloc’s long-term energy system.
The plan, published alongside the Commission’s latest Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC), outlines how SMRs and AMRs could support Europe’s shift toward climate neutrality while strengthening energy security and industrial capacity.
Officials argue that coordinated action between governments, regulators, industry and investors will be essential if the first commercial projects are to come online in the early 2030s.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, explained: “Small modular reactors are a safe nuclear technology that can contribute to delivering reliable, homegrown decarbonised energy, strengthening industrial competitiveness and reinforcing our energy security.
“We are setting a clear pathway for Europe to move from research to concrete projects as soon as possible. Europe must remain at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technologies, including advanced modular reactors, because there’s no competitiveness without industrial leadership.”
EU views SMRs and AMRs as part of its future energy mix
Small modular reactors differ from traditional nuclear plants primarily in their scale and design.
Rather than constructing large reactors entirely on site, SMR technology relies on smaller units that can be manufactured in factories and transported for installation or final assembly at power plants.
The modular approach could shorten construction timelines and potentially reduce costs compared with conventional nuclear projects. It may also allow countries with smaller grids or limited capital investment capacity to integrate nuclear power into their energy mix.
European officials say these systems could work alongside renewable generation to help stabilise electricity supply.
Beyond power production, advanced modular reactors SMR technologies could also provide low-carbon heat for district heating systems, industrial processes and hydrogen production.
The Commission notes that sectors with rapidly rising electricity demand, such as data centres, may also benefit from the consistent power output that nuclear reactors can provide.
Projected capacity growth by 2050
Estimates suggest that small and advanced modular reactors could contribute between 17 gigawatts and 53 gigawatts of installed capacity in the EU by 2050, depending on how quickly projects move from development to deployment.
Achieving this range would require substantial investment and coordinated industrial planning. Brussels expects that a fleet-based approach, where multiple reactors of the same design are deployed across several locations, could help lower costs and create economies of scale.
The Commission also highlighted the potential for the technology to stimulate European manufacturing supply chains, from reactor components to fuel cycle services.
Industry coordination and supply chain development
A central part of the strategy focuses on strengthening industrial cooperation across the EU. The Commission is encouraging companies and research organisations to develop shared technical standards to support the serial production of reactor modules.
Officials say maintaining a strong European supply chain will be crucial. The strategy emphasises high levels of local industrial participation and the development of manufacturing capacity within the EU.
The European Industrial Alliance on SMRs, which brings together companies, research institutions and national authorities, is expected to play a key role in coordinating the effort.
Regulation, skills and innovation
The Commission also identified regulatory coordination as a critical factor for the timely rollout of SMR and AMR projects.
The strategy proposes closer collaboration among national nuclear regulators, including early joint assessments of new reactor designs.
Regulatory sandboxes created under the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act could allow developers to test innovative technologies under controlled conditions.
In addition, the Commission is promoting the creation of ‘SMR Valleys’ – regional industrial clusters designed to bring together manufacturers, developers, investors and research institutions working on modular nuclear technologies.
Skills development and innovation funding will also be necessary to support first-of-a-kind projects. Start-ups, scale-ups, research laboratories and established nuclear companies are expected to contribute to advancing the technology.
Investment needs for Europe’s nuclear sector
Alongside the SMR strategy, the Commission published its final PINC, which assesses future investment requirements across the European nuclear sector.
The report estimates that around €241bn will be required by 2050 to support member states’ nuclear energy plans. The figure includes spending on extending the lifetimes of existing reactors and on building new large-scale nuclear facilities.
Additional funding will likely be needed to fully develop advanced modular reactors, small modular reactors, and emerging technologies such as nuclear fusion.
The EU also plans to expand cooperation with international partners working on modular nuclear technologies while maintaining strategic autonomy in critical nuclear supply chains.
Further policy proposals are expected later this year, including a separate EU strategy focused on heating and cooling systems.