- Calogena filed a safety option application with ASN for its low-power nuclear boiler.
- The project aims to provide carbon-free heat to urban networks.
- Calogena explores installation sites in France and Finland for the first deployment.
Calogena, a French startup specialising in nuclear technology, has taken a crucial step in its low-power nuclear boiler project. The company filed a safety option application (DOS) with the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) for approval. The application covers a 30-megawatt (MW) thermal atomic boiler that provides carbon-free heat to urban networks.
This submission marks a key milestone for Calogena following months of preparatory discussions with ASN. During this period, the company carefully reviewed the boiler’s technical features. With the application now filed, the project enters a two-year pre-assessment phase. Afterwards, Calogena will likely apply for the creation authorisation application (DAC) required for the project to progress.
The nuclear boiler will use uranium to reduce cities’ reliance on fossil fuels. It is designed to be smaller and safer than traditional nuclear reactors. The reactor uses “pool-type” research reactor technology, which has a proven track record in nuclear research and is known for its enhanced safety features. These small modular reactors (SMRs) are safer and less powerful than conventional nuclear plants, allowing for potential installation in urban areas.
Julien Dereux, CEO of Calogena, emphasised that the design includes multiple safety barriers to prevent core meltdown, a central concern in nuclear reactor technology. The boiler’s smaller size and safety features make it an attractive solution for urban heating, which requires low-carbon energy sources.
Calogena aims to meet the growing demand for low-carbon heating, particularly in Northern and Eastern Europe. The market for urban heating is valued at billions of euros, making it a promising opportunity for the company. Calogena is exploring several sites in France and Finland for its first installation.
The company’s approach differs from traditional nuclear reactors. While large reactors primarily produce electricity, Calogena’s boiler is specifically designed for heating. This makes it a practical solution for providing low-carbon energy to urban heat networks. Using commercially available fuel and existing reprocessing technology adds sustainability to the project.
Calogena filed its application as competition in France’s small modular reactor (SMR) space heats up. The French energy giant EDF is developing the Nuward project, although its design is still being revised. Other startups like Jimmy are exploring SMR technology and have initiated procedures to obtain a DAC.
Despite the competition, Calogena stands out as one of France’s leading startups in the SMR field. The company has moved closer to bringing a functional SMR to market. This shift signals a new phase in nuclear technology, with Calogena focusing on smaller, safer reactors designed for heating rather than electricity production.
The project holds significance for its potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and its role in shaping the future of nuclear technology. With its innovative approach, Calogena is positioning itself at the forefront of the SMR market in France and beyond. The company’s progress will attract attention as it works toward commissioning its first nuclear boiler.
As ASN reviews Calogena’s application for approval, the company’s progress may offer a glimpse into the future of nuclear energy in urban heating. This project represents a significant step toward meeting Europe’s growing demand for sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions.