Yesterday, Tuesday 29 August, a new draft report on SMRs by the rapporteur Franc Bogovič has been published on the European Parliament’s website emphasizing the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) as a crucial element in achieving the EU’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The report recognizes SMRs as a promising avenue for clean energy generation, industrial heat production, hydrogen generation, and district heating. It acknowledges the importance of nuclear power and SMRs in diversifying the energy mix while contributing to Europe’s clean energy objectives.
A notable highlight of the report is the positive endorsement of the “European SMR Partnership,” a collaborative coalition encompassing industrial stakeholders, research entities, regulatory bodies, interested customers, and the European Commission. This partnership brings together key participants including SNETP, Nucleareurope, ENSREG, and the European Commission, signifying a substantial stride toward collaborative innovation. The timing of this report is significant, offering a thoughtful response to the recently launched stakeholders’ consultation which is running until 15 September. This consultation delves into the findings of various Work Streams within the initiative, addressing critical aspects like market analysis, licensing, financing, supply chain optimization, and Innovation, Research & Development (IR&D) concerns. Everyone is invited to give feedback on those report drafts to contribute to shaping the future of SMR development in Europe. Join the consultation here.
Integral to the report is the emphasis on the need for a supple policy framework and a well-structured regulatory environment. Additionally, the report underscores the vital importance of providing financial support for domestic SMR production, nurturing supply chain expansion, and fortifying research and development initiatives. At its core, the report’s message revolves around the transformative capacity of SMRs to supersede conventional fossil fuels, foster innovation, and invigorate economic progress. It accentuates the imperative of harmonizing EU policies and strategies, thereby unlocking the complete spectrum of SMR potential within Europe’s ever-evolving energy transition landscape.
Read the full draft report by the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) here.
