Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN have created the Eagles Consortium, an alliance with the goal of developing and commercializing EAGLES-300, a next-generation lead-cooled Small Modular Reactor (SMR). This transforms an ongoing partnership into a strengthened commitment to nuclear energy. They have set a target of delivering a demonstration model by 2035.
EAGLES-300 was selected in 2024 as one of the lead-cooled fast reactor proposals by the Governing Board of the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors. By consolidating efforts under one coordinated structure, the Eagles Consortium strengthens industrial and technological expertise from Belgium, Italy and Romania to accelerate the deployment of advanced Generation IV nuclear technology and make it available for Europe. The Eagles Consortium combines industrial knowhow with in-depth expertise in liquid metals, a major asset not only for the achievement of scientific breakthroughs but even more for the commercial application of the technology.
Eagles Consortium is committed to reinforcing Europe’s leadership in next-generation nuclear reactors, aligning with European Union energy transition policies and the need for reliable, low-carbon energy sources. Key features of EAGLES-300 will include:
▪ High power output and grid flexibility – with around 350MWe power, also suitable for industrial heat supply and hydrogen production.
▪ Modular design – enabling lower construction investments compared to previous generations, faster construction and flexible deployment.
▪ Optimized Fuel Management – the reactor will use MOX nuclear fuel, including recycled materials, reducing radioactive waste and enhancing sustainability.
The consortium will leverage two test facilities in Mol, Belgium (The LEANDREA technology demonstrator will focus on fuel and materials testing) and Pitești, Romania (The already existent ALFRED project will be upgraded to serve as a stepping stone toward commercial deployment.)
With global commercialization for EAGLES-300 targeted in 2039, the Eagles Consortium is adopting a stepwise approach to development, ensuring technical feasibility and economic viability at each stage.
“EAGLES-300 is a clear example of how coordinated industrial and research efforts can shape the future of nuclear technology with the goal to deliver a fully commercial LFR by 2039, reinforcing Europe’s leadership in next-generation nuclear energy,” said Daniela Gentile, Ansaldo Nucleare CEO.
