The core of this nuclear energy cooperation involves a commitment to a broader research and development framework. By establishing periodic meetings, both governments intend to create a consistent flow of information. Belgium, which currently manages a larger fleet of operational nuclear power plants, will offer its extensive industrial experience to the partnership. In exchange, the Netherlands will share its recent progress and procedural insights regarding the construction of new facilities and the implementation of small modular reactors.

A major component of the MoU is the alignment of private sectors and research institutions. The governments plan to organize innovation missions to help organizations within the nuclear supply chain identify opportunities for mutual growth. Beyond technical hardware, the partnership emphasizes human capital. Projections suggest that the construction phase of upcoming projects will require approximately 10,000 workers at peak times, with a steady average of 5,000 employees throughout the process. To meet this demand, the two countries will explore joint training initiatives to ensure a high level of specialized skills within the workforce.

The collaboration also extends to the back-end of the fuel cycle. Both nations have committed to developing shared strategies for the management, storage, and permanent disposal of radioactive waste. According to Minister Mathieu Bihet, future projects in the region necessitate strong value chains and high-level expertise. He noted that by joining forces, the two countries contribute to a more innovative and independent ecosystem for the continent.

The Netherlands is currently pursuing a strategy to increase energy independence by integrating more nuclear capacity into its national energy mix. State Secretary Jo-Annes de Bat highlighted that cooperation with neighboring states is essential in a sector characterized by rapid development and high knowledge density. The Dutch government has previously outlined plans for two new large-scale reactors, expected to be operational by 2035, while also preparing for the potential integration of small modular reactors.

Belgium has similarly adjusted its legislative landscape to support the continued use of nuclear power plants. Following the repeal of a 2003 phase-out law, the Belgian government reached agreements to extend the operations of its newest reactors for an additional decade. Furthermore, the state has entered discussions regarding direct ownership of its reactor fleet to ensure that all strategic options for decommissioning and future operations remain available to the government.

Subject to a final investment decision expected in 2027, the first plant is planned for a Blue Energy site in Texas, with the primary aim of supplying power to a nearby data center campus.

A Two-Phase Approach to Power Delivery

The two companies have already signed a slot reservation agreement for the delivery of two GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines to the Texas site in 2029. These turbines are intended to support what the companies refer to as “early site energization,” establishing an initial power foundation before nuclear capacity comes online.

Blue Energy expects the gas turbines to provide approximately 1 gigawatt of power as early as 2030. The steam supply would then transition and scale up to deliver approximately 1.5 gigawatts of nuclear power as the BWRX-300 small modular reactors come online, targeted for as early as 2032.

Eric Gray, CEO of GE Vernova’s Power Segment, stated, “Combining our industry-leading HA gas turbines with the BWRX-300, the only small modular nuclear reactor under construction in the Western world today, provides an effective solution aimed to meet the demands of rapid AI expansion in the United States while decreasing time to power.”

Rethinking Nuclear Construction Timelines

A central element of this collaboration is Blue Energy’s proprietary construction methodology, which received approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in December last year. The NRC approved the company’s licensing topical report covering an approach to “resequencing” the traditional phases of nuclear plant construction.

Under this model, Blue Energy separates the construction of nuclear and non-nuclear portions of the gas-plus-nuclear plant. The process begins with off-site fabrication and on-site installation of non-nuclear, non-safety-significant infrastructure. This sequencing allows fabrication and site energization to begin while the nuclear components continue through their respective licensing and construction phases.

Blue Energy claims this approach can accelerate deployment of new nuclear power plants by trimming at least five years off the conventional nuclear construction timeline, targeting a time to power of 48 months or less, supported by a natural gas bridge to full nuclear capacity.

Modular Construction to Reduce Costs

Beyond the construction timeline, GE Vernova and Blue Energy are also exploring contracting and off-site construction methods for large power plant modules consistent with the BWRX-300 design. The goal is to reduce capital costs and accelerate off-site prefabrication supply chains, making the nuclear power plant model more financially accessible and replicable.

Regulatory Milestones Ahead

The two companies anticipate entering into a further agreement to conduct preliminary safety analysis work at the Texas site. This work, along with development and site characterization activities, is intended to support a nuclear construction permit application that Blue Energy expects to file with the NRC in 2027.

Blue Energy co-founder and CEO Jake Jurewicz said, “Blue Energy and GE Vernova can unlock a blueprint for how to scale nuclear energy, power American communities, and fuel global AI leadership faster, more affordably, and without burdening ratepayers.”

GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik added, “Innovative projects like this one will help advance the future of nuclear power and meet the surging demand for electricity. We are proud that our collaboration with Blue Energy and others in the entrepreneurial community will play an increasingly important role in accelerating America’s next era of energy leadership.”

The Texas-based gas-plus-nuclear plant, leveraging the BWRX-300 small modular reactor alongside proven gas turbine technology, represents a closely watched development in the effort to bring new nuclear power plant capacity online faster and at lower cost in the United States.

Strategic Framework and Policy Direction

The forthcoming Canada nuclear strategy, being developed by Natural Resources Canada, is expected to be released by the end of 2026. It is structured around four core pillars designed to accelerate nuclear deployment and industrial growth:

• Enabling new nuclear builds across Canada, including both small and large-scale projects
• Positioning Canada as a global supplier and exporter of nuclear technology and services
• Expanding uranium production and strengthening nuclear fuel supply capabilities
• Advancing next-generation nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, and fusion

The government highlighted that the global nuclear market could grow by up to CAD200 billion annually by 2030, reinforcing the strategic importance of scaling domestic capabilities while capturing export opportunities.

From an industry standpoint, Power Info Today observes that the structured multi-pillar approach aligns capital deployment, trade strategy, and innovation pathways into a unified policy framework, reducing fragmentation across Canada’s nuclear value chain.

Investment and Financial Commitments

A key component of the strategy is targeted public investment to support both infrastructure and innovation. The federal government has committed CAD2.2 billion over 10 years to modernise research infrastructure at Chalk River Laboratories. This includes development of the Advanced Materials Research Centre and upgrades to critical laboratory facilities to support reactor technology, fuel development, and safety research.

In parallel, the Department of National Defence is allocating over CAD40 million in the 2026–2027 fiscal year to evaluate the feasibility of deploying Canadian-controlled microreactors. This builds on earlier investments, including CAD6 million in 2025–2026 directed toward research and development activities.

Microreactor Deployment and Operational Impact

The microreactor feasibility programme, delivered in collaboration with Department of National Defence and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, is designed to assess whether next-generation reactors can provide reliable heat and electricity to remote and northern defence installations.

This initiative reflects operational priorities tied to energy resilience in off-grid regions, where energy costs remain high and supply stability is limited. The programme also has potential applications beyond defence, including industrial sites and remote communities requiring continuous, low-emission power.

Supply Chain and Export Positioning

The strategy places strong emphasis on leveraging Canada’s uranium resources to support allied nuclear expansion. Canada accounted for approximately 24% of global uranium production in 2024, with around 90% of output exported for use in nuclear power generation.

The government aims to strengthen its position across the nuclear supply chain by aligning trade policy tools, including export financing and international market development support. This includes coordination with agencies such as the Trade Commissioner Service and Export Development Canada to target high-growth markets.

Market Relevance and Strategic Outlook

Canada’s nuclear sector currently contributes CAD22 billion annually to the national economy and generates approximately 13% of electricity through 17 CANDU reactors operating in Ontario and New Brunswick. The strategy is expected to further integrate nuclear energy into national electrification efforts while supporting grid expansion and long-term energy security.

As global momentum builds toward tripling nuclear capacity by 2050, Canada’s policy direction signals a dual focus on domestic deployment and international competitiveness. The Canada nuclear strategy is positioned to play a central role in aligning infrastructure investment, innovation, and export growth within the country’s broader energy transition framework.

The Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency said the expansion reflects projections of rising consumption nationwide. It stated that “given the projected growth in electricity consumption, a project to build a fourth plant is envisaged, which will fully meet the growing needs of the economy and the population for reliable and environmentally-friendly energy”. In parallel, the agency noted that “options for constructing SMR-based nuclear power plants in suitable regions of the country will also be considered, taking into account technological and economic feasibility, as well as for replacing decommissioned coal-fired plants with equivalent nuclear capacity”.

The framework sets out national priorities for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and broader economic objectives. It defines “the goals, approaches and priority areas of state policy in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy”, while linking nuclear expansion to energy security and sustainability. According to the agency, “The document aims to ensure the country’s energy security and sustainable economic growth, fulfil international climate commitments, develop high-tech industries and strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the global nuclear industry.” Key areas include the construction of new plants — including one potentially using small modular reactors — alongside advancements in nuclear science, waste management systems, safety infrastructure, workforce development, and the “rational use of uranium resources”. The agency added that “The implementation of the strategy will enable the formation of a modern and sustainable nuclear cluster in Kazakhstan, integrated into the global nuclear ecosystem.”

Kazakhstan enters this phase with prior nuclear experience despite not currently producing nuclear-generated electricity. As the world’s leading uranium producer, it operates three research reactors and previously ran a Russian-designed BN-350 sodium-cooled fast reactor near Aktau until 1999. Preparations for a nuclear programme have been underway for years, including the creation of Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) in 2014. Public support has also been evident, with more than 70% of 7.8 million voters backing nuclear development in a 2024 referendum. Initial projects are progressing, with Russia’s Rosatom selected in June last year to lead construction of the Balkhash plant in Ulken, while China National Nuclear Corporation is expected to develop additional plants in the same region. The Kazakhstan nuclear plan also aligns with the government’s target of achieving a 5% share of nuclear energy in the national power mix by 2035.

In New Jersey, Governor Mikie Sherrill has approved legislation that removes a long-standing permitting constraint which had effectively acted as a nuclear moratorium. The decision was announced alongside the formation of a Nuclear Task Force following a visit to PSEG’s Salem nuclear power plant. “For costs to come down, we need more energy supply. New Jersey is well-positioned to be a leader in next-generation nuclear energy to help bring that supply, and we are open for business,” Sherrill said. “By lifting outdated barriers and bringing together leaders across government, industry, and labour, we’re setting the stage for our state to pursue new advanced nuclear power. This will help New Jersey secure a stronger, cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy future – while keeping the state at the forefront of innovation, job creation, and economic growth.”

The change addresses provisions under the Coastal Area Facility Review Act, which had required an approved radioactive waste disposal method from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission—an obligation the state considered impractical. Under the revised framework, permits can now be issued based on safe, NRC-compliant waste storage, effectively clearing the path for new projects. The newly formed task force will focus on financing, supply chains, workforce development, regulatory structures, and public confidence to ensure readiness for deployment. Existing facilities, including Salem and Hope Creek, currently supply about 42% of New Jersey’s electricity.

In Kentucky, Governor Andy Beshear has signed legislation creating the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, alongside a Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program. The initiative aims to support applications for early site permits, construction approvals, and combined operating licences from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. “Every step makes a difference when it comes to helping our people save their hard-earned dollars,” Beshear said, noting the potential for long-term reductions in utility costs. Kentucky does not currently operate any nuclear generation capacity.

Texas has also advanced nuclear expansion by opening applications for USD350 million in funding through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund. Administered by the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office, the programme supports both construction reimbursement and project design and supply chain activities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate, or expect to have, a docketed construction permit or licence application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission by 1 December 2026, with submissions due by mid-May.

In the near term, the company will manufacture fuel assemblies compatible with existing reactor designs, while simultaneously progressing the development and qualification of proprietary European fuel designs for both VVER-440 and VVER-1000 reactors. This work builds on a EUR10 million (USD10.7 million) grant awarded in June 2024 under the Euratom Research and Training Programme, supporting the SAVE (Safe and Alternative VVER European) project led by Framatome, which includes participation from 17 stakeholders.

The broader programme aligns with parallel industry efforts such as the Westinghouse Electric Company-led APIS initiative launched in July 2023. Framatome’s project is currently in its initial phase, focusing on the design of the VVER-440 fuel assembly, designated VERA-440, along with its transport container. Subsequent stages will involve fabrication and regulatory licensing, with the first fuel bundles planned for deployment at Fortum’s Loviisa nuclear power plant in Finland. Regular supply operations are expected to begin in the early 2030s.

“Today we celebrate far more than a technical accomplishment – we celebrate a shared vision and a strong teamwork across borders,” said Framatome CEO Grégoire Ponchon. “I warmly congratulate all Framatome teams and extend my sincere gratitude to ČEZ, Fortum, MVM Paks NPP, and Slovenské elektrárne for the trust they have placed in Framatome. Their confidence has been essential in bringing this ambitious project to life. This agreement reflects our shared intention to work together over the long term, fostering continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence in nuclear fuel supply.”

European utilities involved in the VVER fuel agreement emphasised its role in strengthening energy security and diversifying supply chains. Bohdan Zronek of ČEZ highlighted the importance of supplier diversification for operational stability, while Fortum’s Petra Lundström noted the benefits of collaborative European solutions. Executives from MVM Paks NPP and Slovenské elektrárne similarly underscored the strategic importance of long-term fuel security, operational predictability and reduced dependency risks across the region.

Under the terms of the MOU, the companies will explore cooperation across a range of technical domains linked to the SMR rollout, including fuel qualification and testing, plant life management, hot cell technology, core design and operational modelling, as well as regulatory licensing support. The arrangement allows Rolls-Royce SMR to assess Studsvik’s facilities and technical capabilities, while identifying areas where these services can support the deployment of its ‘factory-built’ NPPs. Chris Cholerton, Rolls-Royce SMR CEO, said: This agreement expands our relationship with Studsvik and strengthens our European supply chain, bringing together worldclass expertise to support the rollout of Rolls-Royce SMR technology. Studsvik’s long-standing capabilities in nuclear services make them an ideal partner as we accelerate towards deploying our SMRs across global markets.

Studsvik President & CEO Karl Thedéen also pointed to the timing of the agreement as aligned with increasing momentum in nuclear investment. He said: Governments and customers around the world have taken decisions on important investments in nuclear power, creating long-term opportunities. We are convinced that working closer together, both organisations will benefit from the acceleration of Rolls-Royce SMR business activities in the Nordics, UK and Europe, supporting stable, clean, and reliable energy. The Rolls-Royce SMR design features a three loop PWR delivering 470 MWe derived from 1,358 MWt, built around modularisation principles that prioritise factory-based assembly using standardised components alongside advanced manufacturing techniques.

Progress on deployment continues following the outcome of a multi-year competition managed by Great British Nuclear (now Great British Energy – Nuclear), where Rolls-Royce was selected as the primary technology partner and preferred bidder in June 2025, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) anticipated in 2029. The UK Government identified Wylfa on the island of Anglesey, North Wales, in November 2025 as the site for three Rolls-Royce SMRs, with potential expansion to eight units. In parallel, the company has been selected by Czech utility ČEZ to deliver up to 3 GWe of new nuclear capacity in the Czech Republic and remains among the final two contenders in Vattenfall’s technology selection process in Sweden for potential SMR construction at the Ringhals NPP site. Studsvik continues to support the global nuclear sector with specialised services spanning fuel and materials testing, plant life-extension, and operational efficiency, backed by more than 75 years of experience in nuclear technology and radiological services.

The collaboration between Microsoft and Nvidia introduces a unified, AI-enabled framework that applies disciplined engineering principles throughout a nuclear plant’s lifecycle from site permitting and design through to construction and continuous operations. According to Microsoft, these capabilities are embedded within a connected platform intended to improve repeatability, traceability, and security while reducing development timelines and rework. Expanding on the technical value, Willis noted: “By unifying data, traceability, and simulation across phases, AI accelerates design validation with high-fidelity 3D models and Digital Twins, improves licensing consistency through AI-assisted document workflows, and connects design assumptions to operational performance – giving operators, regulators, and stakeholders clearer, continuous visibility.”

As part of the AI for nuclear ecosystem, New York-based Everstar an Nvidia Inception startup will integrate its domain-specific AI capabilities into Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform. Everstar CEO Kevin Kong emphasised the operational implications of the partnership, stating: “The nuclear industry has been bottlenecked by documentation burden and regulatory complexity for decades. This partnership means our customers get the secure, scalable cloud deployments they demand. It’s a significant step toward making nuclear power fast, safe, and unstoppable.” The company also confirmed its involvement with the US Department of Energy, Idaho National Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, and Microsoft under the DOE’s Genesis Mission, marking its first public milestone in a broader roadmap aimed at compressing timelines across licensing, design, manufacturing, and operations.

Everstar further disclosed that its Gordian AI platform successfully converted a DOE safety analysis document into sections equivalent to a US Nuclear Regulatory Commission licence application within a single day an activity that typically requires four to six weeks of expert effort. The Genesis Mission, launched by Donald Trump through an Executive Order dated 24 November last year, draws inspiration from the Apollo Programme. The White House described it as an initiative to unite computational power, scientific data, and research expertise into a coordinated system. Led by the DOE, the programme aims to leverage AI and advanced computing to double the productivity of US science and engineering within a decade, while delivering breakthroughs in energy, scientific discovery, and national security.

The UK nuclear reforms are positioned as a structural shift toward what ministers describe as “smarter regulation,” with implementation targeted for completion by the end of 2027. The reforms are designed to enable faster approvals and execution across both civil and defence nuclear projects, forming part of a broader strategy to strengthen national resilience, energy security, and industrial competitiveness.

At the core of the reform package is a streamlined regulatory approach that focuses on proportionality, risk-based assessment, and evidence-driven decision-making. Officials state that simplifying planning processes and removing duplicative or overly complex rules will reduce project delivery timelines and associated costs without compromising safety or environmental protections.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “As the current Middle East conflict shows we need to go further and faster to build the clean energy we need to get off volatile fossil fuel markets and deliver energy security for our country.” He added that the reforms are intended to ensure infrastructure is delivered more efficiently while improving environmental outcomes.

The reforms are closely tied to the government’s broader industrial and energy strategy, which includes advancing major nuclear infrastructure projects. These include the Sizewell C plant in Suffolk, expected to support 17,000 jobs at peak construction, and the ongoing development of Hinkley Point C in Somerset. Plans are also progressing for small modular reactors at Wylfa in North Wales, alongside potential future collaborations with international partners.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “To build national resilience drive energy security and deliver economic growth we need nuclear.” She added that the overhaul would remove “duplicative or overly complex guidance rules and regulations that have been holding back our nuclear ambitions.”

Beyond infrastructure, the UK nuclear reforms also include a significant investment in research and workforce development. More than 500 doctoral students will be trained across UK universities through new programmes, effectively quadrupling the current intake of nuclear PhDs. This initiative is supported by £65.6 million in funding allocated to seven research programmes covering advanced reactor technologies, nuclear fuels, waste management, and materials science.

The funding, delivered through UK Research and Innovation and matched by industry partners, is intended to strengthen the pipeline of technical talent required for both civil and defence nuclear programmes. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is projected to support 65,000 skilled jobs by 2030, underlining the scale of workforce demand linked to the sector’s expansion.

In parallel, the government continues to invest in defence-related nuclear capabilities, including the construction of four Dreadnought-class submarines and upgrades to nuclear warhead systems and industrial infrastructure.

The regulatory overhaul is expected to have broader implications beyond nuclear, with potential application of similar reforms to other major infrastructure planning regimes. Officials suggest that aligning regulatory efficiency with strategic investment priorities could accelerate delivery across multiple sectors while maintaining compliance and environmental standards.

The PPE3 energy plan is not legislation but defines the policy pathway for energy consumption and production through 2035. Lecornu confirmed he would sign the decree publishing the programme, describing the move as driven by “urgency” after prolonged political delays. The government has adopted the roadmap by decree, arguing the matter has already been extensively debated.

At the centre of the strategy is a structural shift in the energy mix. The government aims to raise electricity’s share of total energy consumption to 60% by 2030, up from around 30% today, and to achieve 70% decarbonised energy by 2035. Decarbonised electricity production is targeted to increase to between 650 and 693 TWh in 2035, compared with 458 TWh in 2023. Fossil fuel consumption is set to fall to about 330 TWh in 2035, down from 900 TWh in 2023. The latest plan sets a nuclear production target of 380–420 TWh per year between 2030 and 2035, compared with the previous 360–400 TWh range, consistent with EDF’s target of 400 TWh.

Nuclear power remains central. The PPE3 energy plan calls for the construction of six EPR2 reactors and establishes the objective of deciding, as early as 2026, on launching eight additional EPR2 reactors. It also provides for extending the lifespan of existing reactors to 50 or even 60 years, subject to safety requirements, beginning construction of a first small modular reactor around the start of the 2030s, and renewing the back-end of the nuclear fuel cycle. The previous objective in PPE2 of shutting down 14 reactors, including the two units at the Fessenheim plant, has been formally abandoned.

The strategy reflects commitments first outlined in February 2022, when President Emmanuel Macron announced a “nuclear renaissance,” proposing six new reactors with an option for eight more. France currently operates 57 nuclear power plants, and the new programme foresees greater utilisation of this fleet. The government said the PPE3 is aligned with the National Low-Carbon Strategy, European commitments and the Paris Agreement, and is based on parliamentary debates from spring 2025 and forward-looking scenarios published by transmission system operator RTE in December 2025.

Renewables remain part of the energy mix, though with adjustments. The plan maintains support for offshore wind, solar photovoltaic, geothermal energy and onshore wind, while placing emphasis on upgrading existing onshore wind farms rather than expanding land-based capacity extensively. Renewable energy unions were assured there would be “no moratorium on renewable energy,” and calls for tenders for solar and wind projects will proceed.

The programme carries significant financial and economic implications. Fossil fuel imports currently represent nearly EUR60 billion per year, while oil and gas accounted for 64 billion euros in imports in 2024 and still make up 60% of energy consumption. The government’s objective is to reduce fossil fuels to no more than 40% of energy consumed by 2030 and to phase out oil use between 2040 and 2045, with fossil gas to be phased out by 2050. Implementation of the PPE3 is expected to generate more than 120,000 additional jobs by 2030, particularly in nuclear, solar photovoltaic and offshore wind sectors.

Industry responses have been supportive. Framatome, EDF and Orano welcomed the publication of the plan and its emphasis on electrification and nuclear development. EDF confirmed its commitment to the six EPR2 reactors and the option for eight more, alongside life extensions for existing reactors and continued investment in hydropower and offshore wind. Orano highlighted the visibility the PPE3 provides for industrial projects across the nuclear fuel cycle. Gifen described the plan as a decisive step that confirms nuclear power at the heart of France’s energy strategy.

Political divisions persist. Marine Le Pen criticised the decree-based adoption, estimating costs of “at least €300 billion,” while Olivier Faure warned that further delays would “undermine renewable energy.” Environmental groups, including Greenpeace France, criticised what they called a “stubborn insistence” on nuclear expansion.

For the power generation sector, the PPE3 provides long-term visibility on capacity additions, lifetime extensions and investment direction. It establishes nuclear energy as the backbone of France’s decarbonisation pathway while maintaining a complementary role for renewables, setting the framework for generation planning, grid investment and fuel cycle development through 2035.