Four of Europe’s leading nuclear technology organizations – Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN – have signed today the creation of the Eagles Consortium, a newly established alliance which goal is to develop and commercialize EAGLES-300, a next-generation lead-cooled Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the European Energy Council, in the presence of Belgian Minister of Energy Mathieu Bihet, Italian Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian Ambassador to Luxembourg H.E. Carmine Robustelli, Romanian Secretary of State at the Ministry of Energy Cristian Bușoi, and Romanian Ambassador to Luxembourg H.E. Alexandrina-Livia Rusu.
The signing of this agreement solidifies the collaboration among consortium members, transforming their ongoing partnership into a strengthened commitment to contribute to a more sustainable implementation of nuclear energy. It also reaffirms that the project remains on track to deliver its first demonstrator by 2035, marking a crucial step forward in the development and commercialization of a Lead-Cooled Generation IV Small Modular Reactor which will be named EAGLES-300.
EAGLES-300 was already given a solid boost in 2024 as it was selected as one of the lead-cooled fast reactor proposals by the Governing Board of the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors. This European recognition reinforces our belief in the lead-cooled fast reactor technology and emphasizes the strength of the Eagles Consortium.
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. 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.
A step towards the future of nuclear energy
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. The EAGLES-300 reactor will be designed to offer reliable, affordable and decarbonized energy, setting a new standard for small modular reactors.
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.
Technology Demonstrators and Roadmap
To ensure technological and engineering maturity, the Eagles Consortium will leverage two key test facilities:
- Mol, Belgium – The LEANDREA technology demonstrator will focus on fuel and materials testing.
- 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.
“This consortium brings together extensive expertise, advanced test facilities, and complementary competencies from all the partners. By working together within a structured European project, we are creating the conditions to turn innovation into a viable solution for the market. 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.” Daniela Gentile, Ansaldo Nucleare CEO.
“The Eagles Consortium capitalizes the 30+ years expertise in lead cooling technology and engineering of its members, joining forces to boost development towards deployment of EAGLES-300. By this asset, the Consortium will stand even more brightly in Europe as a pole of attraction on the LFR technology, extending further the strategic and scientific collaboration in the field to nurture innovation and foster the safe and secure decarbonization of the energy mix”. Giorgio Graditi, ENEA Director General.
"The set-up of EAGLES-300 consortium will provide a strong impetus for the development of advanced SMRs. By bringing together the capabilities of leading partners, the consortium ensures a more efficient use of experimental and human resources, while also accelerating the engagement of new generations in the field of innovative nuclear systems. This marks an important step toward building a robust and sustainable process for the deployment of LFR SMRs." Catalin Marian Ducu, RATEN Director General
"With the EAGLES consortium, we’re not just gaining momentum — we’re starting with a strong head start. By uniting the strengths of four leading European partners, we bring a wealth of complementary expertise to the table. For SCK CEN, that means contributing our deep experience in reactor design, pre-licensing and heavy metal liquid technology. It’s a technological milestone for Europe — and a strategic step forward for Belgium." Peter Baeten, SCK CEN Director General.
About the Consortium
Eagles Consortium is a strategic partnership between Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN, aimed at developing the EAGLES-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) by 2039. This alliance represents a unique collaboration between European industrial leaders and nuclear research institutions. Unlike purely research-based initiatives, all the activities of the working group will be focused on commercialization, ensuring a clear path from research and development to market deployment. Focused on Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactor technology, the Eagles Consortium is committed to delivering EAGLES-300, a commercially viable nuclear solution for the future.
