Advancing nuclear cogeneration for industrial decarbonization

HEXANA and Tractebel have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in promoting nuclear-based cogeneration as a key solution for industrial decarbonization, energy system resilience, and efficiency across Europe, and to invite stakeholders to join the newly created SMR and AMR Cogeneration Task Force within COGEN Europe.

Under this agreement, the two companies are spearheading the creation of a dedicated Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactor (AMR) Cogeneration Task Force within COGEN Europe. This new initiative will bring together stakeholders from the nuclear, industrial, and cogeneration sectors around a shared objective: enhance recognition of nuclear cogeneration as a cornerstone of Europe’s clean and competitive energy future. The Task Force aims to foster dialogue, policy engagement, and public awareness on the critical role of nuclear cogeneration in Europe’s clean transition, both for industrial processes and district heating.

Driving recognition of nuclear cogeneration

Cogeneration enhances overall energy efficiency by enabling the simultaneous production of heat and low-carbon electricity. While most existing reactors are designed solely for electricity generation, their cogeneration potential remains largely untapped as only 15% of operational reactors currently use cogeneration. Nuclear technologies, including SMRs and AMRs, could supply up to 74% of the heat needed for industrial processes.

By combining electricity and heat production, SMRs and AMRs deliver flexible, low-carbon energy solutions that strengthen industrial competitiveness and energy security while supporting industrial sectors in their shift away from fossil fuels.

These technologies complement electrification efforts while enhancing system efficiency and resilience, making nuclear cogeneration a powerful enabler of Europe’s clean energy transition.

With this MoU, HEXANA and Tractebel share a common vision: ensuring that nuclear cogeneration gains greater recognition within European strategies and financial frameworks supporting the clean energy transition.

A call to join the new SMR & AMR Cogeneration Task Force

COGEN Europe is the main advocate for cogeneration in Europe, but nuclear is a new focus within the association. This is why HEXANA and TRACTEBEL decided to join forces to launch a task force dedicated to SMRs and AMRs within COGEN Europe.

Both organizations invite other SMR and AMR developers, as well as industrial energy users, utilities, suppliers to join the Task Force under COGEN Europe’s umbrella.