This inaugural episode of ERRA’s Energy Regulatory Podcast features host Luca Lo Schiavo, ERRA Senior Regulatory Specialist engaging with Ivan Faucheux, Commissioner at the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), for a detailed discussion on CRE’s recent analysis of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).

The conversation examines France’s nuclear industry at a critical juncture, an ageing fleet, significant reinvestment needs, and the ongoing question of whether modular technologies can genuinely support Europe’s long-term decarbonisation objectives. Luca and Ivan analyse the technological, economic, and regulatory uncertainties highlighted in the CRE report, providing listeners with a clear overview of the opportunities and challenges linked to SMR/AMR deployment. As Ivan Faucheux emphasises, “If Europe cannot re-enter the race on equal footing with other regions, and SMRs become an economic reality, the risk is that Europe will end up importing these technologies rather than developing them.”

CRE France Report: Integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMR/AMR) into Energy Systems (available only in French language).