nucleareurope discusses SMRs at EFELA Nuclear Congress
On 4 September 2026, Nuclear Technology Advisor Guilherme Cardoso attended the Annual European Federation of Energy Law Associations (EFELA) Nuclear Congress in Milan. The conference, held on 3 and 4 September, consisted of a series of discussions between nuclear energy lawyers and policymakers, focusing on a comparison of European and non-European regulatory experiences in the field of nuclear energy law.
As part of the event, Guilherme gave a presentation on the role of the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and participated in a panel session entitled “Perspectives in EU and Beyond on Small Modular Reactors.”
Guilherme noted that the smaller size of SMRs compared to large reactors does not inherently deliver cheaper energy, and that SMRs rely on repetition to deliver economies of scale. SMR development requires securing enough orders, developing factories, and learning through experience.
“This is where the European Industrial Alliance on Small Modular Reactors comes in. It focuses on accelerating the development of SMRs in Europe, reducing first of a kind risk, communicating with stakeholders and organising regulatory cooperation.” He stressed that the Alliance is an accelerator, not a buyer. It can prepare projects and common solutions, but Member States, customers and investors still define demand.
Guilherme further identified a positive trend in policy, beyond the creation of the Alliance: the Commission’s March 2026 SMR strategy promotes fleet deployment, European supply chains, SMR Valleys and a coalition of willing Member States. Policy interest has moved beyond general recognition and towards delivery instruments.
In his closing statement, he stressed that Europe has moved from scattered initiatives towards a common framework but recognised that implementation remains largely national. A genuine industrial strategy requires a coalition of willing Member States around a limited, visible multi-unit pipeline, with aligned financing, industrial standards and customer commitments.