October 23, 2025 14:02

NextChem, a company of the Italian MAIRE Group, is entering the small modular reactor (SMR) sector by relaunching its subsidiary Next-N (formerly Nextcleo). The company will focus on developing nuclear applications for the chemical industry to support energy security and drive decarbonization.

Under an initial €70 million engineering services agreement, Next-N will partner with startup newcleo to carry out the basic design of the conventional island and balance of plant of a next-generation nuclear power plant based on newcleo’s 200 MWe Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR). The company also plans to work in the future with other nuclear technology providers within the same scope of expertise. The final investment decision (FID) for this first-of-a-kind plant is expected around 2029.

As part of the “e-Factory for chemistry” model, the Italian engineering firm has developed detailed studies on integrating SMR technology with hydrogen and ammonia production, with the aim of providing a “safe, reliable and competitive” energy source for the production of carbon-neutral chemicals.

For this project, Next-N will also leverage the expertise of MAIRE Group’s Integrated E&C Solutions division and Tecnimont, with the goal of optimizing planning and construction methodologies to reduce lead times and project costs.

“With Next-N, we started a new path to industrialize carbon-neutral chemistry models based on safe, reliable and competitive energy supply,” said Fabio Fritelli, managing director of NextChem. “We will contribute to transform the Italian supply chain in a new energy transition paradigm and to foster new competences in Italy and Europe.”

Founded in 2021 by Stefano Buono and headquartered in Paris, newcleo develops fourth-generation Small Modular Lead-cooled Fast Reactors. The technology is based on innovative yet proven concepts, such as the use of lead as a coolant, a closed fuel cycle, and alternative fuels like thorium, with the goal of drastically reducing radioactive waste generation.
A dedicated research and development center has been established in Turin, Italy, in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Technology to advance materials for next-generation reactors.

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