Interview: France 2030 Laureates Assessed by the High Commissioner for Atomic Energy

Several companies selected under the “Innovative Reactors” call for projects of the France 2030 investment program recently participated in a technical and economic assessment conducted by the High Commissioner for Atomic Energy. What is this assessment about? What are the key takeaways? Vincent Berger, High Commissioner for Atomic Energy, provides insights to Sfen.

Launched by the French President in October 2021, the France 2030 investment plan includes a call for projects dedicated to innovative nuclear reactors. The technologies selected during phase one underwent evaluation this year by the High Commissioner for Atomic Energy.

What does the independent evaluation of the project laureates entail?

V.B.: During the February 2024 Nuclear Policy Council (CPN) meeting, the French President, followed by the Prime Minister in a mission note, tasked me with conducting a comprehensive evaluation of modular SMR/AMR reactor projects and technologies from technical and economic perspectives. This evaluation will help structure the second phase of the France 2030 “Innovative Reactors” call for projects, which encompasses a wide variety of technologies, from usage innovations to groundbreaking advancements. It also provides an invaluable exercise for each startup, offering a high-level challenge from experienced experts.

We spent several months understanding the projects by engaging with the stakeholders. Subsequently, we recruited 36 experts divided into six groups covering reactor technology; the complete fuel cycle; safety and security; business plans, market positioning, and opportunities; project management; and value creation and intellectual property. These experts reviewed a common core of documentation comprising around 100 pages (excluding technical appendices) over several months before presenting their evaluations to the companies. Naturally, these exchanges were safeguarded by a confidentiality agreement to protect the technical solutions of the projects, such as material choices, fuel composition, and more.

What are the key findings from the evaluation?

V.B.: First, it is important to note that we did not rank the 12 laureates we assessed. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that the project leaders are highly diverse. They differ in terms of technology choices—some of which are groundbreaking compared to what we know today—as well as their workforce size, progress with the Nuclear Safety Authority, and more. The France 2030 “Innovative Reactors” call for projects has truly opened an extraordinary “idea box.” We now have a globally unique array of technologies, ranging from thermal-spectrum fission to nuclear fusion, using a wide variety of fuels, including plutonium—distinguishing us from the United States.

As for the findings, these new players demonstrated strong responsiveness in their work and decision-making. This energy is now attracting new talent to the nuclear sector. Finally, no insurmountable technical barriers were identified, although development timelines vary. Once again, the France 2030 laureates have invested in technologies with very diverse levels of technological and industrial maturity. Each participant is aware of their strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, the State will continue supporting the sector with the technical assistance of mobilized actors such as the Nuclear Safety Authority and the CEA (through the Innovative Nuclear Program Agency), with varied timelines and tailored support for the stakeholders. ■

The hearings took place over three days at the Université Paris Dauphine.