LLNL partners with industry to advance next-generation reactor fuel

[Marlin]

LLNL partners with industry to advance next-generation reactor fuel

https://www.llnl.gov/article/54871/llnl-partners-industry-advance-next-generation-reactor-fuel

[Core Content]

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is partnering with startup AMPERA to develop thorium-based fuel kernels for TRISO fuel particles. The project, known as THUNDER, utilizes a metallic-particle manufacturing process called PowderJet to create uniform fuel precursors. This collaboration aims to improve the scalability and cost-efficiency of fuel production for advanced reactor designs.

Advanced reactors require fuel capable of withstanding higher temperatures and longer operational cycles than traditional light water reactors. By leveraging thorium, which offers potential benefits in waste management and proliferation resistance, this project seeks to secure a domestic supply chain for compact nuclear energy systems. The effort focuses on transitioning laboratory-scale manufacturing techniques into commercial-ready processes for the nuclear industry.

Small, modular nuclear fission reactors are emerging as a resilient energy option, offering a scalable, cost-effective path to reliable power for remote or infrastructure-limited locations. However, these advanced reactor facilities typically run hotter and longer than conventional light water reactors, so they will require a new type of nuclear...

Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

We support diverse research activities with talented staff, state-of-the-art facilities and core competencies. From internal collaboration to external partnerships, we work together to advance scientific discovery.

Read the full article at llnl.gov:
https://www.llnl.gov/article/54871/llnl-partners-industry-advance-next-generation-reactor-fuel