Veolia and Calogena have signed a one-year Memorandum of Cooperation to explore, on a non-exclusive basis, the potential of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology to decarbonize district heating networks, with a particular focus on Central and Eastern Europe.

The partnership aims to assess the feasibility of a pilot project integrating SMR technology into urban heating systems. Veolia and Calogena will carry out comprehensive technical, economic, regulatory, and safety studies. Particular attention will be given to Calogena’s low-pressure reactor design, specifically developed to provide safe and reliable heat production in urban environments. These assessments will evaluate the potential for integrating such units into existing district heating networks and supporting their long-term decarbonization.

Philippe Guitard, CEO of Veolia Central & Eastern Europe, commented: “As a leader in the decarbonization of district heating networks across Europe, Veolia continuously explores and evaluates innovative technologies that can complement proven solutions and help cities achieve their long-term climate and energy goals, in line with its GreenUp strategic program. Small Modular Reactors are among the emerging technologies we are assessing as part of a broader portfolio of low-carbon solutions, enabling us to anticipate future needs and support our partners in building resilient, secure and sustainable energy systems.”

Julien Dereux, CEO of Calogena, added: "Heating is still 90% combustion-based: Calogena’s mission is to offer a simple, safe and competitive solution to decarbonize urban networks. This exploratory project with Veolia, a forward-looking leader in decarbonization, offers the ideal framework to bring our technology to Central and Eastern Europe.”

Veolia and Calogena sign MoU to explore SMR technology for the decarbonisation of urban heating networks