Newcleo is a startup created in 2021 that develops small modular fast neutron reactors of 30 and 200MWe. It has already raised 400 million euros in 2022.
Newcleo’s technology: lead-cooled fast breeder reactors
Newcleo is developing 4th-generation small modular fast reactors. These reactors could use the full energy potential of natural uranium as fuel, and transmute very long-lived radioactive waste .
The company chose lead as the coolant because of its low cost and, unlike sodium, the fact that it does not interact with water or air. Moreover, this is the choice that would have been made for Superphénix, from which the startup draws much of its inspiration.
The company is planning two reactor sizes: a 30MWe, targeting remote communities and large ships; and a 200MWe, for more conventional power generation.
“Sodium had some nice features, but added chemical risk to nuclear risk, leading to complications and higher costs. That’s why we’re turning to lead technology, developed by Italian researchers who took part in Superphénix.”
Stefano Buono, interviewed by Le Figaro
In the longer term, they are planning a subcritical reactor driven by a particle gas pedal, like Transmutex.
Newcleo’s progress and funding
Newcleo was founded in September 2021 by Stefano Buono. In 2018, Buono had already sold a nuclear medicine startup he had founded in 2002 for over $3 billion, and is himself a nuclear engineer. He had also worked at CERN with Carlo Rubbia on nuclear waste transmutation and Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS), which is what Transmutex (whose CSO also worked with Carlo Rubbia) does. The CSO, Luciano Cinotti, is said to be an expert in fast neutron reactors. Several of the team members have worked at CERN for many years.
The company plans to develop a prototype by 2026, bring its 30MWe reactor to market in 2030 and its 200MWe reactor in 2032. It also plans to install MOx production plants, which will be used to power its devices.
It is supported by researchers who worked on the Superphénix project, such as Luciano Cinotti.
By 2022, Newcleo will have raised $400 million.
