Phoenix Manufacture to supply AM parts to NAAREA for XAMR microreactor

NAAREA, a vanguard in French deep-tech specializing in fourth-generation molten salt fast microreactors, has entered into a strategic partnership with Phoenix Manufacture to supply metal AM parts for its XAMR microreactor project. Based in Niort, Phoenix Manufacture has invested in SLM Solutions’ NXG systems to build a “megafactory” dedicated to metal additive manufacturing in France, targeting segments such as nuclear energy, aerospace, and robotics. This collaboration is poised to revolutionize the industrialization process of NAAREA’s nuclear reactors.

Jean-Luc Alexandre, the Founder and CEO of NAAREA, emphasized the importance of maintaining a distinctly French approach to the XAMR microreactor. He remarked, “We have made a deliberate choice to rely on Phoenix Manufacture’s expertise to design a fully French-made XAMR microreactor. Additive manufacturing allows us to meet stringent safety requirements while simultaneously minimizing costs and reducing assembly needs.”

The partnership seeks to synchronize all essential stages required for the development and production of the XAMR microreactor. It begins with the conceptualization and prototyping phase, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to validate materials and engineer innovative prototypes. Following this, the partnership will focus on the production of the initial series of components, often referred to as First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) manufacturing. Once this milestone is achieved, efforts will shift toward scaling operations to enable consistent and efficient mass production. Another pivotal aspect of this collaboration involves exploring the creation of a shared production facility, designed to optimize resources and expand manufacturing capacity. Sustainability is also a core focus, with plans to implement recycling and waste recovery solutions as part of the production ecosystem.

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, forms the backbone of this innovative alliance and is becoming increasingly relevant in nuclear energy technology development, production and maintenance, especially in microreactors, with US-company NANO Nuclear also recently speaking to VoxelMatters about their use of AM for various parts and components. This technology is integral to producing high-precision components, ensuring exceptional quality while significantly reducing costs and assembly complexities. By leveraging the capabilities of additive manufacturing, NAAREA and Phoenix Manufacture aim to push the boundaries of technological advancements in the nuclear sector.

Marco Calcamuggi, CEO of Phoenix Manufacture, highlighted the transformative potential of this partnership for French industry. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to the reindustrialization of France. Alongside NAAREA, we are determined to revolutionize industries—particularly the nuclear sector—and strengthen the nation’s technological independence,” he stated.

The roadmap for this alliance has been carefully structured, spanning several phases that will extend to 2032. Each stage builds upon the achievements of the previous one, ensuring a smooth transition from initial design to full-scale production. The establishment of a joint production facility and the integration of advanced recycling methods underline the partners’ shared dedication to innovation and sustainability.

By combining advanced technologies such as additive manufacturing with a clear focus on sustainability, NAAREA and Phoenix Manufacture are not only advancing the nuclear sector but also setting a benchmark for French industrial excellence. This collaboration reaffirms their commitment to elevating local capabilities while paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in the global energy landscape.