Newly Established Eagles Consortium led by Ansaldo Nucleare to Develop Lead-Cooled SMR

Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN created the Eagles Consortium: an alliance for the development and commercialization of EAGLES-300, a lead-cooled Gen IV small modular reactor (SMR), combining industrial know-how with liquid metal expertise. Global commercialization for the EAGLES-300 is targeted for 2039.

“This consortium brings together extensive expertise, advanced test facilities, and complementary competencies from all the partners,” said Daniela Gentile, CEO of Ansaldo Nucleare. “By working together within a structured European project, we are creating the conditions to turn innovation into a viable solution for the market. EAGLES-300 is a clear example of how coordinated industrial and research efforts can shape the future of nuclear technology to deliver a fully commercial lead-cooled fast neutron reactor (LFR) by 2039, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in next-generation nuclear energy.”

In 2024, EAGLES-300 was selected as one of the LFR proposals by the Governing Board of the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs. By consolidating efforts under one coordinated structure, the Eagles Consortium strengthens industrial and technological expertise from Belgium, Italy, and Romania to accelerate the deployment of advanced Generation IV nuclear technology and make it available in Europe.

The EAGLES-300 reactor will offer reliable, affordable, and decarbonized energy with features:

• High power output and grid flexibility with 350 MWe power that is suitable for industrial heat supply and hydrogen production.
• A modular design that enables lower construction investments compared to previous generations, faster construction, and flexible deployment.
• The reactor will use MOX nuclear fuel, including recycled materials, reducing radioactive waste and enhancing sustainability.

“The Eagles Consortium capitalizes on the 30+ years of expertise in lead-cooling technology and engineering of its members, joining forces to boost development toward deployment of EAGLES-300,” said Giorgio Graditi, ENEA Director General. “Through this asset, the Consortium will stand even brighter in Europe as a pole of attraction on the LFR technology, extending further the strategic and scientific collaboration in the field to nurture innovation and foster the safe and secure decarbonization of the energy mix.”

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Energy of Italy, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the Minister of Energy of Belgium, Mathieu Bihet, and the Secretary of State of the Romanian Ministry of Energy, Cristian-Silviu Busoi. Credit: Ansaldo Energia

To ensure technological and engineering maturity, the Eagles Consortium will leverage two key test facilities: Mol, Belgium - the LEANDREA technology demonstrator will focus on fuel and materials testing; and Pitești, Romania - the established ALFRED project will be upgraded to serve as a stepping stone toward commercial deployment.

"The consortium agreement signed today is very well integrated into the EU’s Energy Strategy,” said Catalin Marian Ducu, RATEN Director General. “LFR technology is supported by the European Union through the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform and European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative, for the development of Generation IV nuclear systems. We believe that the concept of EAGLES-300 is in line with recent EU objectives to provide not only clean electricity but also non-power applications such as industrial heat and hydrogen production. The project is a perfect example of cross-sectoral innovation and hybrid technologies as outlined in the recent PINC communication published by the European Commission."

Earlier this month, Ansaldo Energia and the Atomic Energy Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed an agreement to explore advanced nuclear technologies and develop SMR.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Ansaldo Energia and Uzatom will strategically collaborate on the design and construction of nuclear power plants, nuclear waste management solutions, and professional training programs, with an emphasis on SMRs. Ansaldo Nucleare will bring its experience in nuclear technology to the table, including Generation III and IV reactors and fusion reactor technologies.