Edition 7: NRG-Kairos Fuel Testing, Finland’s SMR Research & Westinghouse-Urenco HALEU Deal

In This Week’s Edition:

1. Global Nuclear Developments – Key updates from around the world

2. Poll of the Week Results – Insights from this week’s industry poll

3. Nuclear Spotlight – A deep dive into a trending topic

4. Engagement Question – Join the conversation and share your insights

Dear nuclear enthusiasts,

Welcome to this week’s edition of SMR Pulse, your go-to source for the latest developments in Small Modular Reactors. Around the world, momentum is building for SMRs and microreactors, with key advancements in fuel testing, safety research, and supply chain expansion.

This week, NRG-Pallas in the Netherlands will test Kairos Power’s SMR fuel, while Finland’s LUT University is launching new research facilities. In Brazil, a new 3-5 MW microreactor project is underway, and Westinghouse has secured a HALEU supply deal with Urenco to support eVinci deployment.

Let’s dive into this week’s top updates in SMR development!

1. Global Nuclear Developments:

Netherlands & USA: NRG-Pallas to test Kairos Power’s SMR fuel at the High Flux Reactor.

Finland: LUT University to build two SMR test facilities for safety research.

Brazil: National Nuclear Energy Commission launches 3-5 MW microreactor project.

USA & UK: Westinghouse secures HALEU supply from Urenco for eVinci microreactor.

2. Poll of the Week Results

How Do We Cut Nuclear Project Timelines in Half?

Speeding up nuclear construction is key for energy security. What matters most?

Option 1: Streamlined Licensing – Faster approvals, fewer delays.

Option 2: Standardized Designs – Fleet-based builds, lower costs.

Option 3: Modular Construction – Factory-built, quicker assembly.

Option 4: Better Project Management – Lean execution, fewer overruns.

Poll Results: Standardised Designs – 32%; Streamlined Licensing – 28%; Modular Construction – 27%; Project Management – 14%

Standardisation leads, but licensing and modular builds are close behind. Thank you to all who cast their vote, it is greatly appreciated

3. Nuclear Spotlight

Brazil’s 3-5 MW microreactor project and Westinghouse’s eVinci fuel deal highlight growing interest in ultra-small reactors. Microreactors - typically under 20 MW - are designed for rapid deployment, minimal staffing, and off-grid power solutions.

Microreactors are factory-assembled, allowing for faster installation. Their compact size makes them ideal for remote communities, military bases, industrial sites, and data centres. Some designs even use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), enabling longer operational cycles without frequent refuelling.

But challenges remain. Can microreactors compete with larger SMRs? Will fuel supply and regulatory barriers slow their adoption?

4. Engagement Question

Are microreactors the key to decentralised nuclear power, or just a niche technology? Can they scale to meet real-world energy demands, or are they best suited for specialised applications?

Join the discussion and share your thoughts! 👇

As SMR and microreactor projects advance across research, fuel supply, and deployment, the global nuclear landscape continues to evolve.

Next week, we’ll track further breakthroughs in policy, investment, and reactor technology shaping the future of nuclear energy. Stay tuned, and don’t forget to join the conversation - your insights drive the nuclear discussion forward!

Best regards,

Ruan Steyn