BNS-EVL-2026: 3 SMR / AMR series February, March and April (3/3)
Lecture 1: EAGLES: European Nuclear Expertise Shaping a Resilient and Flexible Energy Future
By Vincent Schryvers, Deputy Institute Director, Innovative Systems at SCK-CEN
The EAGLES project represents one of Europe’s most advanced efforts to develop and commercialize next‑generation lead‑cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology. Building on decades of European expertise in heavy‑liquid‑metal systems, the EAGLES‑300 design integrates passive safety, high‑temperature operation, and fast‑spectrum fuel efficiency to deliver a robust, low‑carbon energy solution aligned with EU decarbonization and energy‑sovereignty goals.
The reactor provides 300 MWe of electricity and 520 °C outlet temperature, enabling both power generation and industrial applications such as hydrogen production. Supported by a strong consortium—including Ansaldo Nucleare, ENEA, RATEN, and SCK CEN—the project follows a structured roadmap featuring the LEANDREA technology demonstrator in Belgium (2034) and the ALFRED performance demonstrator in Romania (2036), culminating in commercial deployment by 2039.
Furthermore, the EAGLES reactor is considered as a frontrunner in the European SMR/AMR landscape, as it has been selected as one of only eight most promising designs type by the European Industrial Alliance for SMR.
Lecture 2: HEXANA: a sodium-cooled fast modular reactor for industrial decarbonization and grid flexibility
By Caroline Bisor, Head of core components industrialization at HEXANA
HEXANA is an innovative start-up awarded under the France 2030 program and a spin-off from the CEA (French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission), developing a sodium-cooled fast modular reactor (AMR/SFR) coupled with a thermal storage system. HEXANA targets the commissioning of its first-of-a-kind by 2035 and is designed to cogenerate both electricity and high-temperature industrial heat.
The project’s ambition is built on a dual strategic convergence: contributing to the decarbonization of the most CO₂-intensive and hard-to-abate industrial sectors while delivering flexible low-carbon electricity to help accommodate renewables on the grid. In addition to that, HEXANA will also make it possible to go a step further regarding the closure of the fuel cycle.
The technical concept relies on a streamlined and robust architecture derived from more than 70 years of French sodium fast reactor experience, minimizing technological disruption and securing cost and schedule trajectories.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the qualification and industrialization of the core components (fuel assemblies, cladding, and internal structures), building on historical expertise while meeting current regulatory standards. The presentation will discuss the challenges of rebuilding a qualified supply chain and scaling industrial capabilities to enable progressive deployment toward series production.
Timing
18:30: Introduction of the First Lecture
18:35: First Lecture Presentation (“EAGLES: European Nuclear Expertise Shaping a Resilient and Flexible Energy Future” by Vincent Schryvers)
19:05: Introduction of the Second Lecture
19:10: Second Lecture Presentation (“HEXANA: a sodium-cooled fast modular reactor for industrial decarbonization and grid flexibility” by Caroline Bisor )
19:40: Q&A
20:10: Adjourn & Networking Drink
Presentation material
Speakers
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Caroline BisorHead of core components industrialization at HEXANAPhD engineer in materials science, Caroline Bisor brings 15 years of expertise in nuclear core materials for current and advanced reactors, mainly developed at CEA (French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission). She has led strategic R&D programs and managed multidisciplinary teams in high-demand nuclear environments. Since December 2025, she is head of core components industrialization at the French startup HEXANA.
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Vincent SchryversDeputy Institute Director, Innovative Systems at SCK-CENM.Eng., LLM, Vincent Schryvers brings three decades of hands on experience in the nuclear sector to his role as Deputy Director of the Innovative Nuclear Systems Institute at SCK CEN. Today, he plays a central role in the EAGLES consortium, helping drive the development of the EAGLES 300 lead cooled fast reactor SMR. His work focuses on building the supply chain and industrial ecosystem needed to realize Belgium’s LEANDREA reactor and position it within the country’s evolving energy landscape.
Vincent’s career has taken him across the full spectrum of nuclear technology. Before joining SCK CEN, he held leadership roles in nuclear fuel fabrication, safety and licensing, and engineering services for major new build projects. His contributions span international initiatives such as the PALLAS research reactor in the Netherlands and several large scale nuclear power plant projects in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, Vincent has been driven by a commitment to innovation and the practical deployment of advanced nuclear systems. His perspective blends technical depth with real world project experience—making him a influential voice in discussions on the future of nuclear energy.