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From October 13 to 17, 2025, the Château de Cadarache hosted the International Workshop on the Future Role of SMRs (Small Modular Reactors) and AMRs (Advanced Modular Reactors) and their Applications, an event organized by the International Institute for Nuclear Energy (I2EN), the French National Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INSTN) and with the contribution of the European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN).
This workshop brought together around twenty participants from 13 different countries, representing academia, industry, and institutions, as well as emerging sectors interested in these new nuclear technologies, such as finance and energy-intensive industries.
This event provided a unique platform for discussion on the role of SMRs and AMRs in the global energy transition and securing low-carbon supplies.
A week of intensive work and fruitful exchanges
Over five days, participants explored the possibilities offered by modular reactors, from their design to their applications in carbon-free energy systems.
The program combined strategic presentations, case studies, collaborative workshops, and technical conferences to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technological, economic, and regulatory issues related to these new generations of reactors.
Some of the topics covered include:
- The evolution of SMRs from conventional reactors to new industrial applications;
- The integration of SMRs/AMRs into hybrid energy networks;
- Business models and financing challenges;
- The challenges of licensing, modular construction, and supply chains;
- Opportunities for international cooperation to accelerate the deployment of these technologies.
The workshop brought together speakers from institutional bodies, research laboratories and the nuclear industry. Participants benefited in particular from contributions from representatives of the IAEA, CEA, EY-Parthenon, ASNR, Tractebel, Blue Capsule, Otrera, Newcleo, as well as I2EN, INSTN and ENEN, which, through its ENEN2+ mobility program, supported the participation of young international researchers and professionals.
The event was held in the exceptional setting of the
A diversity in participant profiles contributing to collective reflection
One of the great strengths of this edition was the diversity of the profiles present. Researchers, engineers, representatives of public authorities, investors, industrialists, and stakeholders in new energy uses shared their visions and expectations regarding the emergence of modular reactors.
The presence of representatives from the banking sector and data center operators particularly enriched the discussions, providing innovative economic and usage perspectives.
These discussions highlighted the
Promising outlook for the next edition
The workshop confirmed the growing momentum around SMRs and AMRs, and the need for dialogue between science, industry and finance to transform these technologies into concrete levers for decarbonization. Building on the success of this first edition, I2EN, INSTN and their partners are already planning a new edition in 2026, with an even wider opening to the energy and digital ecosystem.