Lead-cooled Fast Reactor could help decarbonise shipping

To this end, the London headquartered SMR developer has signed an agreement with shipbuilder Fincantieri and certification company RINA to conduct a feasibility study for nuclear applications in the shipping industry.

The deployment of newcleo’s LFR would involve placing a closed mini reactor on vessels as a small nuclear battery producing a 30MW of electric output. According to newcleo, this would require infrequent refuelling (once every 10-15 years), very limited maintenance and easy replacement at end of life.

In a statement, Stefano Buono, newcleo chairman and CEO, said: “I am delighted that we are launching a project for civil nuclear naval propulsion with this important feasibility study. Fincantieri and RINA are two global leaders in the shipping sector, and combining their expertise with our technology innovation can bring a real solution to the issue of carbon emissions in maritime transport.

"From our conception, newcleo’s ambition is to contribute to accelerating decarbonisation and providing clean, sustainable and affordable energy to meet the needs of communities and businesses.”