The first commercial reactor from France-based Newcleo will probably be deployed in the US thanks to overwhelming investment in innovation and a supportive policy backdrop, the chief executive of the advanced reactor manufacturer told NucNet in an interview.

Speaking on the sidelines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) annual conference in Riga, Newcleo chief executive officer Stefano Buono was optimistic about the company’s prospects in the US following its recently announced plans for a Nasdaq listing and partnership with Sam Altman-backed nuclear technology company Oklo.

Buono said that Newcleo’s listing on the technology heavy stock index should fund the company’s work for the next two years. Such a supportive entry to the US, as well as a strong nuclear policy framework, could well see the company’s first reactor land on US shores.

Newcleo is designing a 200 MW commercial lead-cooled fast reactor aimed at supplying electricity and heat to industrial complexes, data centers and other energy intensive industries.