Anyone who considers SMR an important topic can now look forward to the latest insights from the NuScale ($SMR ) analyst conference. The conference on the fourth quarter and full year 2024 provided exciting insights into the company's progress and future plans.
John Hopkins, President and CEO, began with a review of the year 2024, which was characterized by significant progress in the commercialization of the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. was characterized. Particular emphasis was placed on the improved financial situation of the company.
An important point was the RoPower project in Romania, in which NuScale installed a 6-module SMR plant with an installed capacity of 462 megawatts on the site of a decommissioned coal-fired power plant in Doicesti. NuScale is thus actively supporting the Romania's energy security and decarbonization initiatives. The FEED phase 2 (Front-End Engineering and Design) under the management of Fluor is generating significant revenue and cash flow for NuScale.
Hopkins emphasized that NuScale is the only near-term SMR on the market. on the market. While other announced SMR projects in the US are focused on demonstration plants that can only receive approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for commercial operation after several years of operation, NuScale has already invested over 2 billion US dollars in the development and licensing of its technology. licensing of its technology and has received design certification from the NRC design certification.
Another important step is the technical review of the improved FDA application to the NRC to increase the increase the electrical output per module from 50 to 77 megawatts. The decision on this is expected by mid-2025. This step is intended to broader range of customers and increase the economic efficiency increase economic efficiency.
In the area of manufacturing, Hopkins announced that the strategic partner Doosan Enerbility continues to make progress in the production of the first six NuScale power modules. In addition, based on discussions with customers about 12-module configurations
preproduction materials for six additional modules ordered. This means that there are now twelve modules in productionwhich underlines the confidence in the customer pipeline and the commitment to delivery by 2030.
The increasing demand for energyespecially due to the reshoring trend in manufacturing, the electrification of industries and the need for data centers for artificial intelligence (AI)was identified as a key growth driver. Hopkins referred to a report by the US Department of Energy, according to which the energy consumption of data centers could triple in the next three years and could account for up to 12% of national electricity consumption by 2028.
Given the fact that power capacity additions in the US are mainly based on intermittent sources and short-term battery storage, NuScale storage, NuScale sees a massive opportunity to provide clean baseload energy. The world's largest technology companies are driving this demand. Meta is planning up to 4 gigawatts of new nuclear energy for its AI and sustainability goals.
Hopkins also mentioned the ongoing innovations in the field of hydrogen production. A white paper release from Dr. Jose Reyes, NuScale's Chief Technology Officer and co-founder, highlighted how NuScale is benefiting from tax credits for the production of clean hydrogen production.
Hopkins concluded by emphasizing the support for advanced nuclear energy and the government's initiatives to promote SMRs. He also pointed out that NuScale no additional hurdles in connection with HALEU fuels (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium) that are required for other Generation 4 SMR technologies.
Robert Hamady, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of the financial results. NuScale's NuScale's cash position improved significantly and reached USD 446.7 million at the end of 2024. This is due to a mandatory redemption of warrants which generated net proceeds of USD 227.7 million. For the fourth quarter of 2024, NuScale reported revenue of revenue of 34.2 million US dollars and a net loss of 180.3 million US dollars. reported. For the full year 2024, revenue amounted to turnover amounted to 37 million US dollars and the net loss amounted to 348.4 million US dollars. The operating expenses were significantly reducedresulting in an annual savings of more than 108.6 million US dollars. resulted.
In the subsequent Q&A session the analysts addressed various aspects:
George Gianarikas (Canaccord Genuity) asked about potential bottlenecks in the signing signing an agreement with a large data center company in the USA. Hopkins explained that it was not about bottlenecks, but about the complexity of putting these projects togetherinvolving NuScale as the power module provider, ENTRA1 as the owner and other contractors.
Gianarikas also asked for more details on the parameters parameters or conditions for revenue recognition in the fourth quarter. Hamady explained that the revenue from the provision of services and the progress in the provision of services or the delivery of an item in connection with the in connection with the licensing of technology and subcontracts in the area of EPC work.
Esteban Albarracin (TD Cowen) asked about the forged reactor components from Doosansix of which are destined for the Romanian plant. He wanted to know if the additional six had not yet been booked by another, as yet unannounced, customer. Hopkins confirmed this and explained that this was to shorten lead times, shorten lead times. Hamady clarified that NuScale does not manufacture reactors, but rather preproduction materials for twelve NuScale power modules.
Another analyst inquired about the 800 million dollar grant for Gen 3 reactors in the U.S. and whether NuScale would apply for it. Hopkins said he would be having discussions with the Department of Energy this week to get more clarity. Clayton Scott added that they are evaluating the situation in collaboration with ENTRA1 and some of their off-taker partners.
Eric Stine (Craig-Hallum) asked about the upgrade to 77 megawatts and the remaining steps. Hopkins replied that the technical technical requirements for the NRC were almost completely fulfilled and that it was now a matter of the administrative process. He was confident that the schedule could be met or even exceeded.
Stine asked about the increasing demand for nuclear energy and whether there is a whether there has been a change in the view of traditional nuclear power plants and the restart of decommissioned plants. plants. Hopkins replied that he did not know how many plants could actually be restarted and that he believed that Small Modular Reactors are the future are the future. Clayton Scott agreed and said that there were not many plants left that could come out of the restart program.
Hopkins concluded by emphasizing that NuScale is a first mover in this area and is ready to deliver clean energy at scale.
An exciting company in an exciting sector! It remains to be seen whether this technology will actually catch on.
Other companies that are active in the SMR sector include Rolls Royce ($RR. (-15.21%) ) and Oklo ($OKLO )
