newcleo signs agreement with MAIRE to study application of Gen-IV nuclear technologies for hydrogen and sustainable chemicals production

newcleo, the clean and safe nuclear technology company developing innovative Generation IV LFR Small Modular Reactors and MOX fuel production, has signed an agreement with MAIRE’s (MAIRE.MI) subsidiaries NextChem Tech and Tecnimont to apply newcleo’s reactors to decarbonise the chemical industry, including hydrogen production.

MAIRE leads a technology and engineering group that implements innovative solutions to enable the energy transition through NextChem (Sustainable Technology Solutions) and Tecnimont (Integrated E&C Solutions) in nitrogen fertilisers, hydrogen, circular carbon, fuels, chemicals, and polymers.

The agreement, which will power a new model for the “e-Factory for carbon-neutral Chemistry” launched by NextChem Tech, will enable the development, on an exclusive basis, of a conceptual study for carbon-neutral hydrogen production and sustainable chemicals, thanks to the combination of newcleo’s innovative nuclear technology with MAIRE’s chemical technologies and expertise.

NextChem Tech’s specific know-how in the field of hydrogen solutions and chemicals at various industrial scales will be coupled with newcleo carbon-neutral, compact and competitive energy solution.

This agreement will enable the production of electrolytic hydrogen and sustainable chemicals, including carbon-neutral ammonia, methanol, e-fuels and derivatives, in line with the decision by the European Union to include innovative nuclear technologies, such as newcleo’s, in the EU Taxonomy of environmentally sustainable economic activities.

Additionally, Tecnimont will provide consultancy services for newcleo’s innovative power plant based on newcleo’s SMR LFR-AS-200 technology, applying Tecnimont’s modularisation approach to optimise construction and planning methodology, reducing time and costs. This will boost newcleo’s vision of a full modular, affordable and easy-to-deploy plant.

Stefano Buono, newcleo Chairman and CEO, commented:

“Small or Advanced Modular Reactors (SMRs/AMRs), have the potential not only to serve electricity production, but also to have industrial applications.

However, a key prerequisite to provide carbon-free and safe energy for industrial uses is the elimination of nuclear accidents. newcleo’s passive reactor achieves safety by design, thanks to the laws of physics, and this enables our Lead Fast Reactors (LFRs) to remain in a safe state even in the unlikely event of severe accidents or sabotage scenarios.

Thanks to the favourable physical properties of lead, this level of safety is achievable with a reduction of costs in compared with Gen III SMRs, paving the way to a competitive “e-Factory for carbon-neutral chemistry” as envisaged by MAIRE.

We are excited to launch this collaboration with MAIRE, and look forward to progressing our shared visions for sustainable, carbon-free hydrogen and chemicals production.”

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