Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 24, Newcleo, a France-based developer of innovative nuclear reactors, has awarded a €70 million (USD 81 million) engineering services contract to NEXT-N, its joint venture with Nextchem, a subsidiary of Italy’s Maire SpA. The contract focuses on developing the conventional island and balance of plant for nuclear power plants using Newcleo’s 200 MW advanced modular reactor (LFR-AS-200) technology. The agreement, finalized in June 2025, establishes NEXT-N with Nextchem holding a 60% stake and Newcleo 40%. Nextchem will receive an initial 1.25% share in Newcleo, potentially increasing to 5% upon achieving specific milestones by the end of 2025.

NEXT-N will handle the extended basic design, procurement of critical equipment for the conventional island and balance of plant, and provide project management and integration services for Newcleo’s first-of-a-kind nuclear power plant. The joint venture will also offer services to other providers of small and advanced modular reactor technologies. Newcleo will develop the reactor itself, while Nextchem contributes expertise in engineering and project execution to ensure efficient and reliable plant operations.

The collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of Newcleo’s LFR-AS-200 technology. Nextchem noted: “NEXT-N will facilitate and accelerate the development and commercialisation of the LFR-AS-200 by Newcleo, as well as other technologies.” Studies have been conducted to integrate small modular reactors with hydrogen and ammonia production, supporting carbon-neutral chemical manufacturing with a safe and competitive energy supply.

Fabio Fritelli, Nextchem’s Managing Director, stated: “We are very happy to launch our company NEXT-N, dedicated to creating new IP for the conventional island. With this contract we start the engineering activities for the first ever new-generation nuclear power plant based on Newcleo's innovative advanced modular reactor. We have already started to collaborate also with other nuclear technology providers to serve the nuclear industry. With NEXT-N we started a new path to industrialise carbon-neutral chemistry models based on safe, reliable and competitive energy supply. We will contribute to transform the Italian Blasé Pascal Italian supply chain in a new energy transition paradigm and to foster new competences in Italy and Europe.”

Newcleo’s roadmap includes a non-nuclear prototype in Italy by 2026 and the first operational reactor in France by 2031, with a final investment decision expected by 2029. The company is also investing in a mixed uranium/plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel plant in Nogent-sur-Seine, France, and has partnered with Javys to develop up to four LFR-AS-200 reactors at the Bohunice site in Slovakia. These efforts support Newcleo’s commitment to sustainable nuclear energy and regional industrial growth.