NAAREA and UM6P join forces to advance nuclear education and innovation

Wednesday 08 October 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

NAAREA and UM6P join forces to advance nuclear education and innovation

French nuclear technology firm NAAREA and Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) have formalized a strategic partnership to develop advanced educational programs in fast neutron and molten salt reactor technologies. The agreement was signed Tuesday in Nanterre, France.

Founded in 2020 by Jean-Luc Alexandre and Ivan Gavriloff, NAAREA specializes in fourth-generation nuclear micro-generators. Its flagship XAMR reactor utilizes fast neutron and molten salt systems to produce 40 megawatts of electricity and 80 megawatts of thermal heat. The technology also burns long-lived nuclear waste fractions from spent fuel, converting hazardous materials into carbon-free energy for the 2030s.

UM6P, established in 2017 by the OCP Foundation in Benguerir near Marrakech, has built a reputation for applied research and innovation. The university offers programs spanning bachelor’s to doctoral levels across industrial management, mining, engineering, agriculture, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship. It is integrated within the Green City Mohammed VI ecosystem, a hub dedicated to knowledge and innovation.

The partnership will concentrate on eight core areas of collaboration. Students, doctoral candidates, and faculty members will engage in exchange programs between the two institutions. Joint research initiatives will include seminars, conferences, and public events, alongside combined applications for research funding. Knowledge-sharing will extend to publications, academic resources, and scientific data, with UM6P’s physics school contributing to doctoral and master’s programs enhanced by NAAREA’s technical expertise.

Additionally, comparative analysis projects aim to elevate academic standards, complemented by short programs and online pedagogy to support digital learning. The nuclear engineering curriculum at UM6P is currently being introduced, initially integrating nuclear options into existing programs to allow a gradual specialization. Full implementation is expected in the 2025-2026 academic year, establishing structured programs and operational frameworks for student and faculty exchanges.

NAAREA’s XAMR micro-generator is designed for scalable industrial deployment near end-users, targeting energy-intensive industries, mobility sectors, and remote territories. The reactor offers carbon-free, non-intermittent energy, aligning with goals of energy sovereignty, decarbonization, and a diversified energy mix. NAAREA has been recognized under France’s 2030 investment plan for its Innovative Nuclear Reactors initiative.

UM6P maintains a strong emphasis on applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, fostering interdisciplinary approaches while staying connected to its African roots. The university addresses challenges in industrialization, food security, sustainable development, digital technologies, and social sciences, aiming to become an international benchmark in applied research, innovation, and high-quality education.