The World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris marked a turning point in tone: the President of the European Commission described Europe’s retreat from nuclear as a strategic mistake that should now be corrected. The diplomacy made the headlines, but the industrial roadmaps discussed that week are what will actually move things forward.
Three signals for next-generation nuclear
- An EU strategy for SMRs. A €200 million guarantee for innovative nuclear technologies changes the picture for European startups and for the SMR and AMR supply chain.
- Fuel cycle sovereignty. Closing the fuel cycle remains a priority, with the industry investing in recycling and advanced fuels to reduce uranium dependency.
- Research infrastructure. The IAEA announced a dedicated R&D summit in Vienna, a recognition that simulation tools, research reactors and laboratories are the foundations of this return to nuclear.
Where private capital comes in
Technological breakthroughs are only half the battle. Public guarantees provide a foundation; specialised venture funds are the catalysts that turn innovations into companies. Our role is to carry deeptech risk over long industrial cycles, to bridge the valley of death that sinks too many emerging startups, and to accelerate the deployment of SMRs, AMRs and advanced fuel technologies.
Exergon took part in the dialogue on nuclear innovation held at the Élysée during the summit. We remain convinced that a sovereign, resilient and decarbonised energy future lies where science meets smart capital.
