Nuclear power conference in Linz: SMR exposed as a marketing ploy!
The Nuclear Energy Conference 2025 in Linz discusses current nuclear policy and SMR technology - criticism of marketed innovation claims.

Nuclear power conference in Linz: SMR exposed as a marketing ploy!
On November 8, 2025, the Nuclear Energy Conference (NEC2025) took place at the OK Deck in Linz, with around 100 participants present. The event attracted a variety of people, including mayors, local councilors, state parliament members and students. This conference provided a platform to discuss current developments in nuclear policy, in particular the upcoming expansions in Temelín, Czech Republic, and the technology of Small Modular Reactors (SMR). reports oekonews.
In his opening keynote, physicist Matthias Englert explained that, contrary to widespread assumptions, there was not a “renaissance of nuclear energy” but rather a “renaissance of announcements”. Englert questioned the suitability of SMRs to combat the climate crisis and emphasized that it is time to focus on innovative approaches rather than investing in old technologies. He criticized the nuclear industry for unsuccessfully seeking government subsidies, venture capital and funding to advance its projects.
A critical look at SMRs
Dalibor Strasky, anti-nuclear representative in Upper Austria, gave an overview of the energy situation in the Czech Republic and the plans for a final storage facility. Patricia Lorenz from Global 2000 highlighted the legal aspects of the SMR projects and pointed out significant gaps in European approval law. Herbert Stoiber, Managing Director of atomstopp, described the term “Small Modular Reactor” as a PR tool and rather called them “Smart Marketing Reactors”. This view makes it clear that SMR plans are often less about technological innovation and more about strategic marketing.
The conference was supplemented by a forum discussion, which was extended due to the great interest from the audience. Moderator Markus Staudinger led the discussion, in which Climate State Councilor Stefan Kaineder emphasized that nuclear power would be superfluous if the expansion of renewable energies was consistently pursued. Kaineder also warned of the long-term risks that the legacy of nuclear power poses for future generations.
Additional context and information
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