Website: [newcleo.com](https://www.newcleo.com) ### Introduction Newcleo is a nuclear technology company founded in 2021 with a mission to develop innovative, safe, and sustainable nuclear energy solutions through advanced reactor designs. Headquartered in Paris, France, after relocating its holding company from London in September 2024, Newcleo aims to revolutionize the nuclear industry by focusing on lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs) and advanced fuel cycles that minimize long-lived radioactive waste. The company is privately held, with no public ticker symbol, and specific employee count data is not publicly available as of the latest information. Newcleo’s approach centers on creating a disruptive nuclear energy model that prioritizes safety, renewability, and accessibility. By leveraging fast neutron flux technology and accelerator-driven systems, the company seeks to address some of the longstanding challenges in nuclear power, such as waste management and proliferation risks. Their work aligns with global efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources, positioning them as a key player in the advanced nuclear sector [newcleo.com](https://www.newcleo.com). ### Key Products and Technology - **LFR-AS-200 (Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor, Small Modular Reactor)** - **Technical Specifications**: Designed to produce up to 200 MWe of power, though exact efficiency metrics are not widely publicized. - **Fuel Type**: Utilizes mixed oxide (MOX) fuel and aims to incorporate recycled nuclear fuel as part of its advanced fuel cycle strategy. - **Key Differentiators**: Uses lead as a coolant, which offers inherent safety advantages due to its high boiling point and chemical inertness, reducing risks of accidents. The design avoids producing long-lived radioactive waste like plutonium by employing fast neutron flux. - **Development Stage**: In design and early regulatory review phases. The LFR-AS-200 was accepted for Generic Design Assessment (GDA) by the UK in June 2025, though operations in the UK were later wound down to focus on countries with long-term fuel recycling commitments [nucnet.org](https://www.nucnet.org/news/uk-accepts-newcleo-s-lead-cooled-reactor-technology-for-generic-design-assessment-6-3-2025). - **Target Customers**: Primarily utilities and governments seeking sustainable baseload power with reduced waste footprints. - **Accelerator-Driven System (ADS)** - **Technical Specifications**: Combines a particle accelerator with a sub-critical reactor, specifics on power output or efficiency remain under development. - **Fuel Type**: Designed to burn long-lived nuclear waste from legacy reactors, enhancing waste management. - **Key Differentiators**: Provides an additional layer of safety by maintaining sub-criticality, reducing the risk of uncontrolled reactions, and offers a pathway to recycle nuclear waste. - **Development Stage**: Conceptual and experimental, with ongoing research and partnerships to refine the technology [weforum.org](https://www.weforum.org/organizations/newcleo/). - **Target Customers**: Governments and nuclear operators with legacy waste challenges, as well as utilities aiming for sustainable fuel cycles. ### Regulatory and Licensing Status Newcleo has made significant strides in regulatory engagement, though it remains in the early stages of licensing. In the UK, the LFR-AS-200 was accepted for Generic Design Assessment (GDA) in June 2025, marking it as the first advanced reactor to start this review process. However, by July 2025, the company announced it would wind down UK operations to focus on countries with stronger commitments to fuel recycling, indicating a strategic pivot [nucnet.org](https://www.nucnet.org/news/nuclear-company-newcleo-to-wind-down-uk-lead-cooled-fast-reactor-operations-7-4-2025). In Europe, Newcleo initiated its safeguards-by-design engagement with Euratom in December 2025 for the LFR-AS-200, marking the first regulatory phase for integrating nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level [energynews.pro](https://energynews.pro/en/newcleo-launches-european-safeguards-process-for-lead-cooled-modular-reactor/). Key upcoming milestones include further Euratom reviews and potential submissions for design certification or licensing in France or other European nations. The estimated timeline for first commercial deployment is speculative but could align with their goal of beginning construction by 2032, as noted in recent updates [NucNetNews on X](https://x.com/NucNetNews). No specific U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) application status has been reported, as their focus appears to be on European markets for now. ### Team and Leadership Specific information on Newcleo’s leadership team, such as individual names, roles, and bios, is limited in publicly accessible sources. The company’s official website and recent news do not provide detailed profiles of key executives like the CEO or CTO. Efforts to locate verified X handles or LinkedIn profiles for leadership were unsuccessful due to the private nature of the company and restricted access to such data. For the most current and detailed information on the team, direct inquiries to Newcleo via their official channels are recommended [newcleo.com](https://www.newcleo.com). ### Funding and Financial Position Newcleo has not publicly disclosed the total funding raised or details of specific rounds as of the latest available data. However, a significant development in October 2025 involves a planned investment of up to $2 billion from a Newcleo-affiliated vehicle as part of a strategic partnership with [[Oklo]] Inc. and potentially Blykalla to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the U.S., subject to customary approvals [[[Oklo|oklo]].com](https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2025/Oklo-newcleo-Sign-Strategic-Partnership-Alongside-Blykalla-for-the-Advancement-of-U-S--Nuclear-Fuel-Ecosystem/default.aspx). As a private company, market cap and stock performance data are not applicable. Key strategic backers or institutional investors beyond this recent partnership are not detailed in current public records. Newcleo remains pre-revenue, with no reported contracts or commercial-scale operations as of late 2025. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Dec 19, 2025 | Euratom Safeguards Engagement | Newcleo submitted its LFR design to Euratom for safeguards-by-design, initiating European regulatory review [energynews.pro](https://energynews.pro/en/newcleo-launches-european-safeguards-process-for-lead-cooled-modular-reactor/). | | Oct 17, 2025 | Partnership with Oklo and Blykalla| Announced up to $2 billion investment for U.S. nuclear fuel infrastructure with Oklo and potential co-investment from Blykalla [oklo.com](https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2025/Oklo-newcleo-Sign-Strategic-Partnership-Alongside-Blykalla-for-the-Advancement-of-U-S--Nuclear-Fuel-Ecosystem/default.aspx). | | Oct 1, 2025 | Collaboration with JAEA | Signed agreement with Japanese Atomic Energy Agency to test next-gen nuclear technologies [powermag.com](https://www.powermag.com/japans-nuclear-group-will-work-with-newcleo-on-next-gen-technologies/). | | Jul 31, 2025 | UK Operations Wind-Down | Decided to focus on countries with long-term fuel recycling plans, scaling back UK LFR operations [nucnet.org](https://www.nucnet.org/news/nuclear-company-newcleo-to-wind-down-uk-lead-cooled-fast-reactor-operations-7-4-2025). | | Jun 11, 2025 | UK GDA Acceptance | LFR-AS-200 became the first advanced reactor accepted for Generic Design Assessment in the UK [nucnet.org](https://www.nucnet.org/news/uk-accepts-newcleo-s-lead-cooled-reactor-technology-for-generic-design-assessment-6-3-2025). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **Oklo Inc. and Blykalla (October 2025)**: Strategic partnership to develop advanced nuclear fuel fabrication infrastructure in the U.S., with Newcleo planning up to $2 billion in investment. This transatlantic collaboration aims to enhance energy security and create a robust fuel ecosystem [oklo.com](https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2025/Oklo-newcleo-Sign-Strategic-Partnership-Alongside-Blykalla-for-the-Advancement-of-U-S--Nuclear-Fuel-Ecosystem/default.aspx). - **Japanese Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) (October 2025)**: Collaboration to test key next-generation nuclear technologies, strengthening Newcleo’s research capabilities and international presence [powermag.com](https://www.powermag.com/japans-nuclear-group-will-work-with-newcleo-on-next-gen-technologies/). - **Saipem (September 2024)**: Agreement to explore offshore applications of Newcleo’s technology, expanding potential deployment scenarios [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcleo). - **VUJE (August 2024)**: Cooperation with Slovak nuclear company VUJE to advance nuclear technology development, supporting European market expansion [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcleo). - **CEA (France’s Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission) (April 2024)**: Partnership to further research and development of advanced nuclear solutions, leveraging French expertise [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newcleo). ### New Hampshire Relevance Newcleo’s technology could have potential relevance for [[New Hampshire]], particularly given the state’s existing nuclear infrastructure at [[Seabrook Station]] and its connection to the ISO New England (ISO-NE) grid. The LFR-AS-200’s 200 MWe output aligns with the scale needed for grid power or supporting growing data center loads in the Northeast, where energy demand is rising. Additionally, New Hampshire’s legislative initiatives, such as HB 710, which explores advanced nuclear options and SMR provisions, could align with Newcleo’s modular reactor approach. However, Newcleo’s current focus on European markets and lack of U.S.-specific regulatory engagement with the NRC suggest that deployment in New Hampshire or the broader Northeast U.S. is not imminent. Their technology readiness level, still in design and early regulatory phases, does not match near-term deployment timelines for NH. Potential applications could include baseload grid power to replace aging fossil fuel plants or providing industrial heat for manufacturing sectors in the region. There are no reported direct connections or expressed interest in New Hampshire or the Northeast U.S. as of late 2025, indicating that any fit would require future strategic shifts or partnerships with U.S.-based entities. ### Competitive Position Newcleo operates in a competitive advanced nuclear landscape, with peers like [[NuScale Power]], [[[[TerraPower]]]], and Oklo Inc. pursuing similar goals of safe, sustainable nuclear energy. Compared to [[NuScale Power|NuScale]], which has achieved NRC design certification for its 50 MWe SMR and is closer to U.S. deployment [NRC.gov](https://www.nrc.gov), Newcleo’s focus on lead-cooled reactors and waste-burning capabilities offers a unique safety and sustainability edge but lags in regulatory progress outside Europe. TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, advances molten salt and natrium reactor designs with significant U.S. government support, outpacing Newcleo in funding and domestic market traction. Oklo, a direct partner, focuses on fast reactors and has a site use permit in the U.S., positioning it ahead for American deployment, though Newcleo’s $2 billion investment pledge strengthens their joint competitive stance [oklo.com](https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2025/Oklo-newcleo-Sign-Strategic-Partnership-Alongside-Blykalla-for-the-Advancement-of-U-S--Nuclear-Fuel-Ecosystem/default.aspx). Risks for Newcleo include regulatory delays in Europe and potential challenges in pivoting to the U.S. market without established NRC engagement. ### Closing Note Newcleo is an early-stage nuclear innovator with promising lead-cooled reactor technology, a growing network of international partnerships, and a challenging yet potentially transformative outlook in the sustainable energy sector. *Report generated December 24, 2025*