A “Clean” Heating Era with a 30 MW Small Modular Reactor

Metaverse Planet September 1, 2025Last Updated: September 1, 2025

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France aims to initiate a carbon-free heating era in cities with the 30 MW CAL30 small modular reactor planned for installation at the Cadarache research center.

French energy technology company Calogena has begun to evaluate the installation of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) at the Cadarache research and development center. In this context, the company has signed a letter of intent with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).

Nuclear Energy Support for Urban Heating

The CAL30, which is planned to be deployed at the selected site, will be a water-cooled SMR with a 30 MW thermal power output. The reactor’s design is optimized to operate at low pressure (6 bar) and low temperature (100 °C). Calogena states that the CAL30 aims to provide clean energy to urban heating networks and is intended to be commissioned as soon as possible, around 2030.

Calogena’s reactor uses classical nuclear fuel but in a more compact form. The company emphasizes that the CAL30 requires only 3,000 m² of land and less than 1,000 m² for buildings. The reactor does not need extensive water or electricity infrastructure, and refueling can be carried out by a truck only once every two years. The design, specifically optimized for urban heating networks, is suitable for providing energy based on demand. The reactor can perform load-following and can be brought online quickly.

Operating at low pressure and low temperature, the CAL30 is much simpler and safer than conventional reactors due to its direct heat utilization and limited auxiliary systems. The reactor’s core volume is less than 1 cubic meter. This allows the system and components to be assembled in a factory environment and then transported to the installation site. Consequently, installation is radically expedited.

The CAL30 is one of four SMR designs being evaluated in France. While the Blue Capsule and Naarea designs are still in the preparatory phase, the CAL30 has already advanced to the pre-licensing stage. Furthermore, another SMR design named Jimmy has requested a “decree of authorization for installation” from the ASNR for deployment at a Cristal Union Group facility to provide heat for industrial purposes.