Thorizon Expands Focus on Siting and Business Development with Key Hires
Thorizon announces it is conducting three prefeasibility studies at nuclear-designated sites in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands Strategic hires include former Assystem International Nuclear Development Director Christophe Fournier and former ETC Project Director Paul Glaubitz
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Amsterdam, March 1st, 2025 – Thorizon is advancing its mission to bring next-generation nuclear energy to market by intensifying its focus on site selection and end-user engagement. The company is currently conducting three prefeasibility studies at nuclear-designated sites in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In the Netherlands, Thorizon is collaborating with Dutch nuclear operator EPZ as a potential end-user, ensuring early operational insights. By year-end, Thorizon aims to select a site for its first Thorizon One reactor and build a pipeline for future deployments through partnerships with end-users and local governments.
Driving Growth with Industry Experts
To accelerate its business siting and business development efforts, Thorizon has welcomed two seasoned industry professionals, Christophe Fournier and Paul Glaubitz, to its growing team. Both bring extensive expertise in the nuclear sector and commercial management. Christophe, formerly International Nuclear Development Director at Assystem, has over 20 years of experience in international nuclear project development. Paul, with a strong commercial leadership background, brings experience as former Project Director for enrichment company ETC, where he worked closely with strategic customer Orano.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christophe and Paul to Thorizon,” says CEO Kiki Lauwers. “Their business development expertise and deep networks in the sector will help us accelerate engagement with nuclear operators, end-users, and (local) governments. With the growing demand for small modular reactors in Europe and increasing recognition of nuclear energy as a strategic asset, we are now better equipped to guide stakeholders through the process of deploying a Thorizon One reactor. Additionally, their insights will be instrumental in refining our design with direct end-user feedback. Securing a site for our first reactor is a crucial step toward commercialization.”
The Thorizon One: A Breakthrough in Small Modular Reactors
The Thorizon One is an advanced small modular reactor (SMR) with a 250MW thermal capacity, offering significant advantages over traditional light water reactors. It reduces long-lived radioactive waste, ensuring a more sustainable waste balance, and is designed with passive safety features, making it inherently secure. The reactor is also highly cost-efficient, lowering both construction and operational costs.
Its versatile energy output makes it adaptable to various industrial needs. It can generate 100MW of baseload electricity, enough to power 250,000 households or a data center. It can also produce 550°C industrial heat, a crucial temperature for chemical industries and hydrogen production. Additionally, the reactor can utilize molten salt heat storage, allowing for intraday load following, a feature highly valued by utilities.
Christophe Fournier – Sales Director
As Sales Director, Christophe will lead business development, strengthening engagement with utilities, energy-intensive industries (such as data centers, heavy industry, and hydrogen production), and local governments. He will also represent Thorizon in the industrial end-user working group within the EU Industrial Alliance for SMRs.
“I am thrilled to be part of Thorizon’s journey to reshape the future of nuclear energy,” said Christophe. “The Thorizon One reactor stands out as a groundbreaking solution, thanks to its molten salt technology and versatile applications. I am impressed by both the product and the dedicated team behind it, and I look forward to bringing this game-changing technology to market. With AI and data centers driving an exponential increase in energy demand, there has never been a better time for advanced nuclear solutions.”
Paul Glaubitz – Project Development Director
Paul joins as Project Development Director and will oversee site selection and feasibility studies for Thorizon. He will initiate new prefeasibility studies across Europe while advancing existing ones to bring the first Thorizon One molten salt reactor to realization. He will also represent Thorizon at industry events in the Netherlands and foster relationships with local governments.
“I strongly believe that nuclear energy is essential for a successful energy transition,” said Paul. “Returning to the nuclear industry by joining Thorizon is like a dream come true. It allows me to combine my expertise in commercial strategy and project execution to take a leading role in bringing the first Thorizon One reactor to life. From site selection to development, I look forward to working closely with stakeholders and future customers to turn this vision into reality.”
