RIYADH: French start-up Newcleo is progressing in the clean energy sector, aiming to transform nuclear technology with a focus on safety and sustainability, said the company’s CEO.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh last week, Stefano Buono outlined the company’s approach to safer, more sustainable nuclear energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Founded in 2021, Newcleo specializes in small, advanced reactors designed to tackle key nuclear sector challenges, including waste management and plant safety.
Backed by the French government’s France 2030 plan, Newcleo has developed a lead-based cooling technology that enhances reactor safety and facilitates waste recycling, setting it apart from many competitors.
“I started working on new technologies in the 1990s, especially after the Chernobyl accident,” Buono told Arab News. “Since then, we have been working to develop technologies that can deal with any nuclear accident, with an emphasis, of course, on the safety of facilities, to develop solutions that guarantee that nuclear accidents cannot happen.”
One of Newcleo’s innovations is the use of lead as a coolant, which Buono says allows for cost-effective cooling while enabling compact reactor designs and recycling of radioactive waste. “This is why we have chosen to develop equilibrium solutions for reactor cooling,” Buono said.
“It’s now possible to cool reactors with liquid metals like lead,” he said, adding that this method allows for the cooling of compact batteries at a very low financial cost. “Our technology also makes it possible to recycle radioactive waste.”
According to the International Energy Agency, the nuclear sector could help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative to fossil fuels.
A key strength of nuclear power is its ability to generate electricity without emitting carbon dioxide during operation, making it a valuable ally in the push to meet emissions reduction targets.
However, nuclear energy also presents challenges. Radioactive waste management, plant safety, and public perception are issues that demand clear solutions and technological innovation — areas where French start-up Newcleo aims to make a difference.
Buono highlighted Newcleo’s distinct approach to waste recycling, describing it as a competitive advantage over American companies. “Recycling is one aspect, and the fact that there is no nuclear waste is a good thing,” he said, adding that the company’s methods make it easier to collaborate with industrial partners and data centers.
Buono emphasized the importance of implementing technology already established in the region, citing the example of Italian company Fincantieri, a key partner for Newcleo. “These platforms also represent a meeting point between nuclear technology and industry, two worlds that have everything in common to make this collaboration a success,” he said.
According to Buono, Newcleo’s technology is designed not only to generate electricity but also to provide heat and support industrial processes, which he described as “the beauty” of their approach.
Commenting on the FII, Buono said Newcleo aimed to gain insights into Saudi Arabia’s nuclear landscape. “Our company is very European, and our aim is to raise awareness of our technology because we want to see it developed in the Kingdom,” he said. “For us, this was really a reconnaissance mission.”
While nuclear sector growth is relatively slow, Buono believes demand for decarbonization is growing faster. “Growth and competition in the nuclear sector are slow, but we need to decarbonize a lot,” he added. “The demand is faster than the sector’s growth, and I do not think there are many players capable of innovating in these systems.”
Newcleo’s ambitions are further bolstered by French government support, which Buono considers essential for its global aspirations. “Our start-up is directly supported by the French government as part of its France 2030 plan,” he said. “This is crucial support, and when we go to other countries, we can count on government backing through embassies, export ministries, and Business France.”
As Newcleo looks to expand internationally, its innovative reactor technology aims to position nuclear energy as a viable, safe solution for future energy needs.
