Nuclear: "Retrofitting fossil-fired power stations with SMRs" (Nicolas Breyton, Stellaria)

"We are working on retrofitting coal and gas power plants. The idea is to keep the personnel, turbines or certain equipment, and only replace the production unit with a Small Modular Reactor (SMR). Such sites are already connected to the grid, which allows for a quick entry into service. There is potential in Eastern Europe, in particular in Poland and the Czech Republic, and also in Germany," said Nicolas Breyton, CEO of Stellaria, on 05/11/2025. He spoke at the World Nuclear Exhibition at the Villepinte exhibition centre (Seine-Saint-Denis) from 04 to 06/11/2025.

Stellaria was created in June 2023. The French company is developing a new nuclear reactor called Stellarium, based on molten salt technology. Its plan includes three preliminary projects: Alvin, a small unit used for fusion tests; MegAlvin, a higher-power prototype; and then a first production unit of the Stellarium by 2035.

The company signed a cooperation agreement with Equinix, a United States company active in data centres, on 14/08/2025. The agreement concerns the supply of 500 MW for Equinix's European data centres…