Accessible, more democratic energy production that meets the needs of local communities while supporting the energy transition
Otrera’s innovative nuclear reactors will produce low-carbon heat and power at affordable, controlled prices—ideal in a context characterized by climate and energy crises. The startup recycles spent fuel assemblies from existing plants and plans to power local energy loops with its reactors.
Otrera 4th generation nuclear reactor. Credit: Otrera
Otrera is designing a sodium fast-neutron reactor (SFR)—one of France’s technologies of excellence. The startup plans to commission its first industrial-scale demonstrator in 2032. In combined heat and power (CHP) mode, each Otrera reactor is expected to generate 110 MW of electricity and 180 MW of heat (between 100 °C and 180 °C) distributed via a local energy loop for use in industrial processes and urban heat networks.
Otrera recycles spent MOX fuel assemblies (currently stored in pools) and recycles its own waste. The company’s reactors can also run off high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for a decade before refueling is required. The reactor is designed specifically to reduce construction and operating costs and to produce market-competitive energy.
Otrera closed out a first fundraising round of €2.5 million and signed a partnership with the CEA under France’s national France 2030 plan. The company also holds five CEA patent licenses. The go-to-market strategy focuses on technology sales and operation or joint operation of reactors.
Key figure: 1 g of CO2 per kWh
Otrera's future reactors will generate 1 gram of CO2 per kWh, that’s. 4 to 6 times less than today’s nuclear power plants—already the lowest-carbon energy source available.
KEY Markets:
- Industrial facilities
- Municipalities
Technologies used:
- Modular sodium fast-neutron reactor
- Recycling spent fuel assemblies from conventional nuclear reactors
- Combined heat and power generation
- Reinforced containment barriers
Year founded: 2023
CEA Institute: CEA-Iresne