Efforts to establish a Europe-based small modular reactor (SMR) partnership with the aim of preparing for deployment of the emerging technology over the next decade have taken a major step forward with the announcement of an industrial alliance.

On 7 November, The European Commission formally announced the creation of the alliance dedicated to SMRs amid calls to get the first units connected to the electricity grid within a decade.

The alliance – which will bring together industry, policymakers, regulators and the public – will focus on accelerating the deployment of SMR technologies and ensuring a strong EU supply chain, including a skilled workforce.