European nuclear technology company Newcleo and Italian engineering group Maire have formed a new joint venture, Nextcleo, to develop and deliver the non-nuclear infrastructure for next-generation modular nuclear reactors.

The new company will be 60% owned and operated by Nextchem, Maire’s sustainable technology subsidiary, with Newcleo holding the remaining 40% stake, a statement said.

The joint venture will focus on the conventional island and balance of plant for Newcleo’s flagship 200-MW lead-cooled fast reactor, the LFR-AS-200, and potentially other advanced modular reactor (AMR) and small modular reactor developers.