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The Eagles consortium, spearheaded by the Belgian nuclear research institute SCK CEN, has embarked on an ambitious international journey to secure the necessary permits for a new small modular reactor (SMR). Unlike the traditional large nuclear plants, which faced a patchwork of regulatory requirements and additional safety protocols in each country, the SMR technology offers a more standardized approach. This innovation promises to reduce costs through economies of scale, making it impractical to submit individual applications for each reactor unit.

To facilitate this process, the Eagles consortium has initiated discussions with various regulatory bodies regarding the development of a lead-cooled SMR in Belgium. Since spring, the consortium has engaged with the Belgian nuclear watchdog FANC, and it has now begun similar exploratory dialogues with counterparts in Italy (ISIN) and Romania (CNCAN). These discussions, while not yet formal licensing applications, are part of a pre-licensing procedure that allows for the alignment of safety standards across borders, ensuring that the final design adheres to the regulations of all involved nations.

A critical milestone in this endeavor will be the construction of a demonstration model in Mol, scheduled for completion by 2034, which aims to validate the operational viability of the technology. According to SCK CEN, this collaborative international effort is unprecedented; while some projects have previously engaged in pre-licensing processes, this is the first instance of such an approach being implemented concurrently across three countries.

Marc Schyns, the director of innovative nuclear systems at SCK CEN, emphasized the significance of this pilot project, which is being closely monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Notably, IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi was present at the project's signing ceremony, alongside Belgian Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet.

Formally established in June, the Eagles consortium comprises SCK CEN, the Italian company Ansaldo Nucleare, and nuclear research institutions from Italy (ENEA) and Romania (RATEN). Their collective goal is to achieve commercial readiness for a new small modular reactor by 2039, marking Belgium's active participation in a global competition involving numerous commercial enterprises and research institutions eager to develop next-generation nuclear reactors.

The partners' extensive experience with lead-cooled nuclear technology and prior research and development installations positions them well for this ambitious undertaking. As the consortium prepares for the next phase, the anticipation surrounding the potential of SMR technology continues to grow.