The European energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) emerging as a promising solution for delivering low-carbon, flexible, and secure power. The 5th edition of the SNETP Project Portfolio Webinar, held on 7th of May, focused on showcasing the progress of three ambitious European projects: TANDEM, SANE, and EASI-SMR. All three are contributing to the broader deployment and integration of SMRs in Europe, each targeting a unique aspect of this promising nuclear technology.

 

SMRs: A Strategic Component of Europe’s Clean Energy Future

Small Modular Reactors are attracting increasing interest for their potential to provide safe, affordable, and dispatchable electricity, complementing intermittent renewable sources. Their modularity enables deployment in remote areas and industrial clusters, supporting decarbonization across multiple sectors.

Small Modular ReacTor for a European SAfe aNd Decarbonised Energy Mix (TANDEM)

Explores the synergies between SMRs and renewable energy sources in hybrid energy systems. The project’s aim is to create a blueprint for flexible, resilient power systems that can help stabilize grids under high renewable penetration.

Key objectives of TANDEM include:

  • Developing simulation tools to assess SMR integration in energy systems.
  • Identifying optimal operating strategies that enable SMRs to provide ancillary grid services.
  • Evaluating the techno-economic benefits of hybrid energy setups combining SMRs, renewables, and storage.

The TANDEM project highlights the unique ability of SMRs to provide continuous baseload power while adapting to variable demand, enhancing both grid stability and decarbonization goals.

Safety Assessment of Non-Electric uses of Nuclear Energy (SANE)

Safety is a cornerstone of any nuclear deployment, the project addresses this by developing a new generation of safety analysis methodologies tailored for advanced SMR designs.

SANE’s core objectives are to:

  • Adapt and enhance current safety assessment tools to the novel configurations of SMRs.
  • Analyze a broad range of reactor concepts, including both light water and non-light water technologies.
  • Foster harmonization of safety assessment approaches across Europe.

By incorporating passive safety systems and innovative containment strategies into its analysis, SANE supports a rigorous and modern safety culture, ensuring that SMRs meet the highest standards before commercial deployment.

Ensuring Assessment of Safety Innovation for Small Modular Reactor (EASI-SMR)

Focuses on supporting decision-makers during the early phases of SMR adoption. The project brings a systemic approach to evaluating SMR concepts, considering not just technical viability but also economic, environmental, and regulatory factors.

Core activities in EASI-SMR include:

  • Conducting multicriteria assessments of various SMR technologies.
  • Exploring deployment scenarios for different European contexts (e.g., remote regions, industrial hubs).
  • Engaging with stakeholders—including regulators, utilities, and citizens—to assess acceptance and potential barriers.

EASI-SMR is particularly valuable for guiding policy and investment decisions, helping define where and how SMRs can be best deployed across Europe.

Looking ahead

The webinar highlighted SMRs as a central pillar in Europe’s path to decarbonization. Priorities include advancing passive safety and additive manufacturing to enhance safety and reduce costs. SMRs are well suited for integration into hybrid low-carbon systems, working alongside renewables and storage to deliver flexible and resilient electricity, heat, and hydrogen.

Beyond electricity, SMRs also offer potential for district heating, industrial applications, and desalination, broadening their value across sectors. Their successful deployment will require aligned regulatory frameworks, strong scientific collaboration, and greater public and stakeholder confidence.

The three featured projects made it clear: the future of nuclear in Europe depends not only on technological innovation, but also on system integration and societal acceptance. The most promising opportunities lie in:

  • Embedding SMRs into flexible, hybrid energy systems
  • Expanding nuclear applications beyond power generation
  • Strengthening trust and building supportive regulatory pathways

These directions align with Europe’s goals for reducing emissions and enhancing energy reliability, making them promising areas for further development.

Join us for the next webinar, 13 June 2025, showcasing two cutting-edge projects focused on radioactive waste management: HARPERS & EURAD-2. Register here.