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Four of Europe’s leading nuclear technology organizations – AnsaldoNucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN – have signed today the creation of the EaglesConsortium, a newly established alliance which goal is to develop andcommercialize EAGLES-300, a next-generation lead-cooled Small Modular Reactor(SMR).

Thesigning of this agreement solidifies the collaboration among consortiummembers, transforming their ongoing partnership into a strengthened commitmentto contribute to a more sustainable implementation of nuclear energy. It alsoreaffirms that the project remains on track to deliver its first demonstratorby 2035, marking a crucial step forward in the developmentand commercialization of a Lead-Cooled Generation IV Small Modular Reactorwhich will be named EAGLES-300.

EAGLES-300was already given a solid boost in 2024 as it was selected as one of thelead-cooled fast reactor proposals by the Governing Board of the EuropeanIndustrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors. This European recognitionreinforces our belief in the lead-cooled fast reactor technology and emphasizesthe strength of the Eagles Consortium.

Byconsolidating efforts under one coordinated structure, the Eagles Consortium strengthensindustrial and technological expertise from Belgium, Italy and Romania toaccelerate the deployment of advanced Generation IV nuclear technology and makeit available for Europe. Eagles Consortium combines industrial knowhow within-depth expertise in liquid metals, a major asset not only for the achievementof scientific breakthroughs but even more for the commercial application of thetechnology.

Astep towards the future of nuclear energy

EaglesConsortium is committed to reinforcing Europe’s leadership in next-generationnuclear reactors, aligning with European Union energy transition policies andthe need for reliable, low-carbon energy sources. The EAGLES-300 reactor willbe designed to offer reliable, affordable and decarbonized energy, setting anew standard for small modular reactors.

Keyfeatures of EAGLES-300 will include:

• Highpower output and grid flexibility – with around 350MWe power, also suitable forindustrial heat supply and hydrogen production.
• Modulardesign – enabling lower construction investments compared to previousgenerations, faster construction and flexible deployment.§
• OptimizedFuel Management – the reactor will use MOX nuclear fuel, including recycledmaterials, reducing radioactive waste and enhancing sustainability.

Technology Demonstrators and Roadmap

To ensure technological and engineering maturity, the Eagles Consortium willleverage two key test facilities:

• Mol,Belgium – The LEANDREA technology demonstrator will focus on fuel and materialstesting.
• Pitești,Romania – The already existent ALFRED project will be upgraded to serve as astepping stone toward commercial deployment.

With global commercialization for EAGLES-300 targeted in 2039, the Eagles Consortiumis adopting a stepwise approach to development, ensuring technical feasibilityand economic viability at each stage.

“Thisconsortium brings together extensive expertise, advanced test facilities, andcomplementary competencies from all the partners. By working together within astructured European project, we are creating the conditions to turn innovationinto a viable solution for the market. EAGLES-300 is a clear example of howcoordinated industrial and research efforts can shape the future of nucleartechnology with the goal to deliver a fully commercial LFR by 2039, reinforcingEurope’s leadership in next-generation nuclear energy.” Daniela Gentile,Ansaldo Nucleare CEO.

‍"TheEagles Consortium capitalizes the 30+ years expertise in lead coolingtechnology and engineering of its members, joining forces to boost developmenttowards deployment of EAGLES-300. By this asset, the Consortium will stand evenmore brightly in Europe as a pole of attraction on the LFR technology,extending further the strategic and scientific collaboration in the field tonurture innovation and foster the safe and secure decarbonization of the energymix”. Giorgio Graditi, ENEA Director General.

‍"The consortiumagreement signed today is very well integrated into the European Union's EnergyStrategy. LFR (Lead cooled Fast Neutron Reactor) technology is supported by theEuropean Union through the SNETP (Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform)and ESNII (European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative) initiatives, forthe development of Generation IV nuclear systems. We believe that the conceptof EAGLES-300 is in line with recent EU objectives to provide not only cleanelectricity but also non-power applications such as industrial heat andhydrogen production. The project is a perfect example of cross-sectoralinnovation and hybrid technologies as outlined in the recent PINC communicationpublished by the European Commission." CatalinMarian Ducu, RATEN Director General

‍"With theEAGLES consortium, we’re not just gaining momentum — we’re starting with astrong head start. By uniting the strengths of four leading European partners,we bring a wealth of complementary expertise to the table. For SCK CEN, thatmeans contributing our deep experience in reactor design, pre-licensing andheavy metal liquid technology. It’s a technological milestone for Europe — anda strategic step forward for Belgium." Peter Baeten, SCK CEN DirectorGeneral.

About the Consortium

Eagles Consortiumis a strategic partnership between Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN,aimed at developing the EAGLES-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) by 2039. Thisalliance represents a unique collaboration between European industrial leadersand nuclear research institutions. Unlike purely research-based initiatives,all the activities of the working group will be focused on commercialization,ensuring a clear path from research and development to market deployment. Focusedon Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor technology, the Eagles Consortium iscommitted to delivering EAGLES-300, a commercially viable nuclear solution forthe future.