Today, nuclear energy provides nearly one-quarter of the world’s low-carbon electricity and holds significant potential for expansion. The climate and energy crises are prompting countries to turn to nuclear power as part of the global decarbonization solution.
Innovation in nuclear fission technology is driving the industry forward, overcoming long-standing barriers that once limited its growth. A new wave of startups is developing breakthrough reactor designs and sustainable fuel cycles, backed by growing investment to deliver low carbon power.
This article explores landmark commercial agreements that are laying the groundwork for a new generation of nuclear capacity to power the economy and enabling Net Zero ambitions.
Joint Venture between newcleo and JAVYS
Challenge
Slovakia relies on imported nuclear fuel to power its reactors and meet national energy demand. Each reactor cycle generates additional spent fuel and radiotoxic waste, increasing environmental and storage challenges. Managing and disposal of this waste is costly and resource-intensive.
Solution
French-based newcleo and Slovak state-owned JAVYS have formed a joint venture, the Centre for the Development of Spent Nuclear Fuel Utilisation. The venture will develop four LFR-AS-200, a Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor that reuses spent nuclear fuel as an energy source. Futhermore, these LFR-AS-200 units, with a combined capacity of 800 MWe, are planned at the site of the decommissioned Jaslovske Bohunice nuclear power plant in Slovakia.
The reactors will operate on mixed uranium-plutonium oxide (MOX) fuel derived from Slovakia’s existing spent fuel. The used fuel will be reprocessed in France and converted into new fuel rods at newcleo’s planned MOX facility. These will power the LFR-AS-200 reactors in Slovakia, creating a closed nuclear fuel cycle that enhances resource efficiency and reduces waste.
Outcome
Reusing spent fuel will lower Slovakia’s reliance on imported nuclear fuel and strengthen Slovakia’s energy independence.
The project will significantly reduce radioactive waste volume and radiotoxicity positioning Slovakia as a European leader in closed fuel cycle management and advanced reactor deployment.
Service Agreement between GEN Energija and Westinghouse Electric Company
Challenge
Slovenia’s national climate strategy prioritizes both renewable and nuclear energy as part of its Net Zero energy transition. Nuclear power already accounts for around 35% of the nation’s energy mix playing a crucial role in energy stability and emissions reduction. Hence, to meet rising electricity demand and strengthen energy security, Slovenia plans to add a second reactor at the Krško nuclear plant.
Solution
GEN Energija has signed a service agreement with Westinghouse Electric Company to evaluate the deployment of an AP1000® reactor at the proposed Krško-II site. The project, known as JEK 2, aims to build a new 1100–1600 MWe reactor adjacent to the existing Krško facility, which already operates on Westinghouse technology.
Westinghouse, in partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, will conduct a Technical Feasibility Study (TFS) to assess reactor design, safety features, and technical compatibility. The study supports Slovenia’s nuclear new-build strategy and its plan to expand clean, reliable baseload generation.
Outcome
The feasibility study, completed in August 2025, confirmed the suitability of the Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactor for the JEK 2 project.
The proposed unit will deliver up to 8 TWh of low-carbon electricity annually, reducing CO₂ emissions and strengthening Slovenia’s energy independence.
Memorandum of Understanding between TerraPower and Sabey Data Centers
Challenge
In the United States, data centers are projected to drive nearly half of the nation’s electricity demand growth by 2030. The rapid expansion of AI workloads has intensified the need for clean, resilient, and high-capacity power sources.
Solution
To meet this demand for advanced, carbon-free energy solutions capable of ensuring reliability and scalability, TerraPower and Sabey Data Centers (SDC) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of TerraPower’s Natrium® reactors to power SDC’s facilities.
The Natrium technology combines a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system that can boost output to 500 MW during peak demand. The system provides stable baseload generation with flexible ramp-up capabilities, ideally suited for data centers. The collaboration will assess potential Natrium deployments across SDC’s existing and planned sites in Texas and the Rocky Mountain region.
Outcome
This partnership demonstrates how advanced nuclear technology can meet the rising power needs of digital infrastructure while supporting U.S. decarbonisation goals. Also, Natrium system’s unique storage capability ensures consistent reliability and operational flexibility.
Strategic Partnership between X-Energy and Centrica
Challenge
The UK aims to expand clean energy capacity while ensuring energy security and industrial decarbonisation. Of course, nuclear power is central to this vision to generate stable, low-carbon energy generation to meet growing demand.
Solution
US-based X-energy and UK-based Centrica have formed a strategic partnership to deploy X-energy’s Xe-100 Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) across the UK. The partnership’s initial focus is a proposed 12-unit Xe-100 development at Hartlepool, delivering up to 960 MW of electricity and high-temperature heat for industrial use.
Consequently, this deployment could power 1.5 million homes while supporting heavy industries in Teesside. X-energy’s modular reactor design offers high efficiency, flexible siting, and enhanced safety. The collaboration also includes plans for a broader 6 GW AMR fleet, with development expected to begin in 2026.
Outcome
The Xe-100 program will provide secure, low-carbon electricity and high-temperature heat, reducing emissions across manufacturing sectors. Additionally, the partnership strengthens the UK’s clean energy infrastructure and industrial competitiveness.
Memorandum of Understanding between Federbeton and newcleo
Challenge
Cement manufacturing accounts for nearly 8% of global CO₂ emissions, making it one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. The Italian cement association, Federbeton, is driving efforts to reduce emissions across the construction materials sector to help achieve climate goals.
Solution
France-based nuclear innovator newcleo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Federbeton to explore the use of lead-cooled advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in the cement industry. Evidently, the collaboration will assess how newcleo’s clean-energy technology can provide sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for industrial operations. Both organisations will also pursue research into advanced construction materials suited for next-generation nuclear systems.
Outcome
The partnership aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of Italy’s cement and concrete supply chain. By integrating advanced nuclear energy, the industry can strengthen its pathway toward climate neutrality and long-term energy security.
Driving nuclear innovation through strategic partnerships
These commercial agreements highlight how governments and private innovators are working together to expand nuclear capacity globally. They enable cost-effective, reliable, and low-carbon energy solutions while accelerating the adoption of advanced nuclear technologies.
The partnerships strengthen energy security, support industrial growth, and provide scalable solutions for clean electricity and heat. Above all, these agreements set a precedent for future projects, showcasing how strategic collaboration can transform nuclear energy into a cornerstone of a low-carbon and resilient energy system.
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