The European Commission launched an Industrial Alliance dedicated to small modular reactors - SMRs - in February 2024, aiming to facilitate the development of SMRs in Europe by the early 2030s. The Alliance works through working groups to improve the conditions for the development and deployment of SMRs, including rebuilding the supply chain for nuclear power. The activities aim to support specific SMR projects and accelerate their deployment on the European market.
The Strategic Action Plan was prepared based on the Action Plans of each of the Alliance's eight Technical Working Groups (TWGs), contributions made by the Project-based Working Groups (PWGs) as well as several consultations with the Governing Board organised by the Alliance secretariat over the past year. It was endorsed by the second General Assembly of the Alliance on 1 September in Brussels.
"The Strategic Action Plan is an ambitious roadmap aimed at steering the Alliance's efforts over the next five years," the Alliance said. "It embodies a shared vision and the collective commitment of the Alliance's members to work together to facilitate the development, demonstration, and deployment of SMRs in Europe by the early 2030s.
"It is designed to facilitate the progressive, pragmatic, and efficient achievement of the Alliance's objectives. Besides giving clarity on the Alliance's forthcoming work, it is meant to provide input to the Commission's upcoming Communication on SMRs in the EU announced in the Affordable Energy Action Plan adopted earlier in 2025."
The plan outlines ten actions to deliver over the next five years, focusing on key challenges to SMR deployment such as market demand for SMRs beyond electricity production; revitalising the supply chain; promoting R&D and skills development; unlocking financial opportunities; and simplifying regulatory frameworks. The plan also emphasises activities aimed at financing, public engagement, fuel and waste management, as well as issues related to safety and security as cornerstones of the SMR development in the coming years.
"To successfully implement this Strategic Action Plan, the Alliance will actively seek and first rely on contributions from its members, but support and coordination with other key European players, such as the European Commission, the European Parliament, relevant European organisations, and all EU countries interested in SMRs, will be needed to ensure success," the Alliance said.
A mid-term review of the Strategic Action Plan is planned "to facilitate necessary adjustments to the initially proposed actions", the Alliance said. The Alliance Governing Board will conduct an annual review of progress on all actions using feedback reports prepared by each TWG and exchanges with PWGs.
"The timely deployment of SMRs is crucial for maintaining the competitiveness of European industry, driving the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future by 2050, and enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy in the energy sector," the Alliance said.
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