Reactors & Technology
The expert in compact nuclear reactors
TechnicAtome is France’s long-standing specialist in compact nuclear reactors. For more than 50 years, our high-performance technologies have equipped all French Navy vessels. Nuclear propulsion allows ships to remain at sea for long periods without refueling.
Naval propulsion: a unique design
The nuclear propulsion systems for ships designed by TechnicAtome feature a specialized design that is particularly well-suited for ship propulsion
- Extremely compact, allowing integration into confined spaces,
- High levels of safety and radiation protection, enabling personnel to live in the immediate vicinity of the reactor,
- Power and on-board energy capacity meeting the demands of navigation.
Nuclear propulsion also offers decisive advantages in terms of stealth and reduces vulnerability. Since it requires no oxygen supply and emits no CO2, a nuclear-powered submarine does not need to surface regularly.
While naval propulsion reactors use pressurized water technology, just like power generation reactors, their design is significantly different to meet the specific defense requirements for power flexibility, resistance to harsh conditions, and the confined spaces in which they are installed.
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SMRs and technology building blocks
In the field of civil nuclear energy, TechnicAtome leverages its experience in the design and development of compact nuclear reactors in two main areas: providing expertise and developing core technologies for startups, and designing a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) to address decarbonization challenges by exploring various applications such as heat generation and civilian propulsion for maritime transport.