Novel Nuclear Technologies

A technical gap exists between the ambitions of the energy transition and today’s realities. Although renewable energy sources form the backbone of this transformation, they are insufficient on their own. Without additional, reliable and low-emission technologies, key climate targets will remain out of reach. Against this backdrop, the book focuses on novel nuclear technologies as a system-relevant addition to renewable electricity generation. Based on an international expert symposium hosted by Technical University München (TUM), it offers a fact-based, technology-neutral perspective on new nuclear technologies – from advanced fission reactors to fusion research, including applications for hydrogen and heat generation. The contributions emphasize in particular the potential of modern fission designs, from small modular reactors that promise flexible deployment, to fast reactors and transmutation strategies aimed at reducing long-lived waste. Fission is presented not as a relic of the past but as a mature, immediately applicable option that can complement fusion research still on its way to industrial readiness. Economic and societal framework conditions are also addressed. The white book¹ highlights blind spots in the energy policy debate, provides technical orientation and presents ten well-founded policy recommendations for a realistic, secure and future-ready electricity supply, also condensed in an executive summary². Both documents are freely accessible as PDF downloads.

This report tells also that something is changing in Bavaria – the German federal state of technology leadership comparable in size with Switzerland – with a strong historical background in academic fusion energy research. What is striking about the distribution of experts in the symposium, particularly in the field of fusion, is the predominance of members from several newly established industrial start-ups. This is the sign of a profound mutation in the field of fusion, with the development of a fusion industrial eco-system of private firms and public-private partnerships. This demonstrates both that fusion science has reached a certain level of maturity and reflects the urgent need to find alternative, carbon-free energy sources.

Equally striking is the book’s open critique of German energy policy: while many countries expand nuclear alongside renewables, Germany’s nuclear phase-out has increased dependence on fossil imports and left climate goals unmet. The editors argue that ignoring nuclear’s baseload role has been an ideological choice with high costs, and that serious debate must return to the table if emissions and security of supply are to be reconciled.

More generally, the development of Novel Nuclear Technologies is essential for a resilient and sustainable energy scenario that ensures economic prosperity. Bavaria - with its excellent universities, large number of outstanding research institutions and facilities embedded in a dynamic and fertile economic environment with strong industrial partners - feels it is well positioned to drive this transition. In order to contribute to the country's energy supply by mid-century, the recommendations contained in this white paper should be accessed by a large public and addressed with the utmost urgency by decision-makers.

Antoine Pochelon, Hans Peter Beck

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¹ _{Novel Nuclear Technologies: https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/1766743}

² _{Executive Summary with 10 recommendations for policy action: https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/1552198?show_id=1774498}

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_{[Published: November 2025]}