Advancing Nuclear Reactor Innovation With Digital Solutions
Optimize the design of small modular reactors with the virtual twin experience.
In the field of nuclear fusion, the global race to achieve sustained plasma confinement and self-sustaining reactions is advancing rapidly. As breakthroughs emerge, the focus is shifting toward making fusion energy a scalable and commercially viable carbon-free power source.
Dassault Systèmes empowers innovators with virtual twin technology, advanced simulation and collaborative digital engineering to revolutionize the development and deployment of next-generation nuclear energy systems.
Achieve Climate Targets With Nuclear
9%
of the world s electricity is currently supplied by nuclear power, with 440 operational reactors worldwide
66Gt
of carbon emissions have been avoided globally through nuclear energy since 1971, supporting clean energy
30GW
of new nuclear capacity per year will be needed in the early 2030s to meet climate goals by 2050
Unlock the Future of Modern Nuclear Reactors
The nuclear energy landscape is evolving rapidly, with advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), generation IV reactors and nuclear fusion technology poised to redefine the future of clean energy. Developing and deploying these next-generation technologies comes with complex challenges — from optimizing reactor design and streamlining licensing for compliance to advancing fuel cycles while achieving cost efficiency.
The Nuclear Power Plan
Explore how digital engineering, virtual twins and advanced simulation drive nuclear innovation, reduce risks and accelerate breakthrough technologies to market.
Key Benefits of the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform for SMR Design
- Virtual twin technology for full lifecycle management
The virtual twin provides a holistic view and full traceability throughout the entire lifecycle of a nuclear reactor — from initial requirements to final deployment. Powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it ensures seamless collaboration, optimized decision-making and risk mitigation.
- Data-driven decision-making
Through advanced simulation-driven testing, the virtual twin gathers and structures complex data, allowing for an in-depth analysis of variables and potential outcomes to achieve optimal results.
- A single source of truth
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform ensures compliance with stringent safety, security and regulatory requirements. With end-to-end traceability, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and robust requirement management, it supports smooth licensing and regulatory approvals.
Need to Know: Nuclear Generators and Power Plants
Recent advancements in nuclear reactors reflect a global effort for innovation while addressing challenges such as cost reduction, safety improvements and environmental sustainability. These are:
- Generation IV reactors: Six designs are under development, including four fast neutron reactors that operate at higher temperatures and are suited for hydrogen production
- SMRs: Compact reactors with capacities below 300 Mwe were designed for remote and off-grid applications
- Non-water-cooled reactors: Reactors that operate at close to atmospheric pressure and higher temperatures using alternative coolants like molten salts, liquid metals or gases such as helium
- Fusion reactors: Utilize nuclear fusion technology for the potential generation of clean energy
- Advanced reactor demonstration program (ARDP) reactors: High-temperature gas-cooled reactors that aim for operational status soon
A virtual twin, powered by MBSE, accelerates the design process by structuring complex systems and ensuring seamless validation. Dassault Systèmes enables companies to de-risk designs and streamline certification through an industry-leading digital approach.
- Structure: MBSE establishes the reactor architecture, enabling model-based design and simulation to validate performance and safety indicatorsn
- Optimize: Modeling and simulation (MODSIM) evaluates multiple design alternatives, leading to optimized solutions and a tested, validated first-of-a-kind (FOAK) reactor
- Collaborate: The 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a single collaborative environment, allowing stakeholders to visualize and refine the virtual twin for faster design convergence
A robust supply chain is essential for de-risking the launch and scale-up of advanced nuclear reactors. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform enables:
- Secure stakeholder collaboration on a cloud-based platform
- Comprehensive supply chain mappingfor SMRs and next-generation nuclear technologies
- Streamlined requirement management across a global market
Applying the Design for X methodology ensures quality, efficiency and regulatory compliance in nuclear technology development:
- Design for manufacturability: Optimizing fabrication complexity, scalability and cost
- Design for operations and maintenance: Ensuring component standardization and durability
- Design for sustainability: Minimizing environmental impact and material waste while maximizing recyclability
By integrating technical, regulatory and economic factors into a unified virtual twin, companies can streamline licensing across multiple regions and ensure a smooth handover to operations and maintenance through an in-depth what-if scenario analysis.
As countries seek to implement clean and innovative energy solutions, the increased use of renewable sources coupled with nuclear energy has the potential to meet additional demand and displace existing fossil fuels. SMRs are a cost-effective solution for producing decarbonized electricity, balancing the intermittency of renewables like wind and solar. SMRs and microreactors support energy security and the transition to net zero using modularization, productization and standardization.
The future of nuclear energy relies on digital innovation. By leveraging virtual twins technology and model-based systems engineering, we can accelerate reactor design, optimize the supply chain and streamline licensing — turning breakthrough technologies into deployable, scalable solutions for a sustainable future.
Watch How Nuclear Companies Transform Clean Power
Driving Advancements in Nuclear Energy
The next generation of SMRs and advanced nuclear reactors are transforming the energy landscape with scalable, low-carbon solutions. While SMRs enhance flexibility and efficiency, innovators push nuclear fusion toward commercial viability.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform empowers innovators with virtual twin technology to optimize designs, streamline licensing and strengthen safety cases — accelerating the deployment of advanced nuclear solutions.
From fission to fusion, digital innovation is key to scaling the nuclear industry and advancing the global clean energy transition.
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