Newcleo Attracts $88 Million for Lead-Cooled Reactors
By Global Infrastructure Sherpa · Feb 6, 2026
The Paris-based small modular reactor company Newcleo announced an $88 million growth investment, as existing European investors doubled down and new EU-based industrial backers jumped aboard, bringing its total funding to over $760 million.
Deal Analysis
Newcleo's successful $88 million growth investment signifies continued investor confidence in the company's lead-cooled small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The participation of both existing European investors and new EU-based industrial backers, bringing total funding to over $760 million, demonstrates a strong belief in Newcleo's potential to contribute to the future energy mix. This investment will likely be used to further develop and potentially deploy Newcleo's SMR technology, positioning the company as a key player in the advanced nuclear energy sector. Avalanche Energy's involvement as an investor further validates the clean energy potential of Newcleo's technology.
The deal is notable for its size within the SMR investment landscape and the strategic involvement of European industrial players. This suggests a growing recognition of SMRs as a viable solution for energy security and decarbonization within the EU. The investment also highlights the increasing interest in advanced nuclear technologies, particularly those that offer enhanced safety and waste management characteristics compared to traditional reactors. Newcleo's focus on lead-cooled reactors aligns with this trend, as these reactors offer potential advantages in terms of efficiency and proliferation resistance.
- Newcleo secures $88 million in growth investment.
- Existing European investors doubled down, joined by new EU-based industrial backers.
- Total funding for Newcleo exceeds $760 million.
- Avalanche Energy, focused on clean energy solutions, participates as an investor.
Market Context: The nuclear energy sector, particularly the SMR segment, is experiencing renewed interest driven by the need for decarbonization and energy security. Europe is actively exploring nuclear energy as part of its energy transition strategy, creating a favorable environment for companies like Newcleo.
Source Intelligence
KEY DETAILS
Newcleo plans to complete its first commercial units sometime after 2030. Quote: "Currently the company plans to complete its first commercial units sometime after 2030."
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Deal Size
The Paris-based small modular reactor company Newcleo announced an $88 million growth investment
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Location
The Paris-based small modular reactor company Newcleo announced an $88 million growth investment
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Announcement
The Paris-based small modular reactor company Newcleo announced an $88 million growth investment
PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE
N
Newcleo
developer
"The Paris-based small modular reactor company Newcleo announced an $88 million growth investment"
O
Oklo
developer
"strategic partnership with the Sam Altman-backed SMR company Oklo to develop the infrastructure needed to produce and reprocess advanced nuclear fuel in the U.S."
F
Fincantieri
developer
"partnerships with the shipbuilder Fincantieri , which is exploring the potential of nuclear-powered vessels"
S
Saipem
developer
"engineering giant Saipem which is looking to develop floating nuclear plants"
D
Danieli
developer
"the metals equipment company Danieli , which aims to use SMRs for green steel production"
high quality
Enriched Feb 19, 2026
Market Context
This deal is part of the Nuclear sector in France.
1 of 63 Nuclear deals tracked this month · Updated daily