US Advances in TRISO Fuel Production: A Leap Towards Nuclear Energy Leadership
U.S. Prepares to Launch Fourth-Generation Nuclear Reactors as Innovative Fuel Line Becomes Functional
The United States is making strides in the realm of nuclear energy, with the recent completion of a new production line at BWX Technologies marking a significant milestone. This line, situated at BWXT's Lynchburg Technology Center, is dedicated to the production of Uranium Nitride TRISO fuel, a type of nuclear fuel that offers high thermal stability and resistance to radioactive material release.
This new production line is a key component of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, and it represents a significant step towards re-establishing the United States as a global leader in nuclear energy.
Enhancing TRISO Manufacturing Capabilities
The new production line at BWX Technologies includes a crucial piece of equipment: a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) furnace. This furnace was the final step required to make the line operational, and it will be used to solidify pre-forms filled with TRISO particles. This advancement in TRISO manufacturing capabilities enables the production of advanced forms of fuel for Generation IV reactors.
Improving Fuel Efficiency and Reducing Costs
By manufacturing TRISO fuel in advanced forms, BWXT aims to improve fuel efficiency and potentially lower reactor system costs. The company's efforts focus on creating fuel forms that hold a higher density of TRISO particles per pellet, which could extend reactor lifespans and reduce costs.
The Future of Nuclear Energy
The advancements made in TRISO fuel production by BWXT have far-reaching implications for the future of nuclear energy. By enhancing TRISO fuel production, BWXT aims to play a pivotal role in the development of next-generation nuclear reactors. This not only supports the growth of the small modular reactor and microreactor markets but also contributes to decarbonized energy solutions, aligning with US energy transition goals.
Kate Kelly, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies, stated that the advanced capability to manufacture TRISO fuel in multiple forms and shapes at scale will play an important role in enabling the SMR and advanced microreactor market to flourish.
In addition to its work on the new production line, BWXT has other agreements related to its nuclear fuel and reactor business. For instance, the company is collaborating with the Wyoming Energy Authority to evaluate potential locations for a TRISO fuel fabrication facility. Furthermore, BWXT has a cooperative agreement with a Tata Chemicals subsidiary to explore deploying up to eight BANR reactors at a site in Green River, Wyoming, in the early 2030s.
The US is actively developing new nuclear fuel sources for next-generation nuclear reactors, with a stated goal to achieve nuclear criticality in the new reactors by 2026. BWXT's work on TRISO fuel production is a testament to the country's commitment to this goal and to its ambition to lead in the global nuclear energy sector.
Fueling the Space Race
The new kind of nuclear fuel, americium-241, is being developed by NASA to replace plutonium-238 in the agency's longest space missions. If successful, americium-241 could expand NASA's power options for missions to the outer solar system and beyond, where sunlight is scarce and reliability is non-negotiable.
Mike Goff, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy, stated that DOE's support of BWXT's microreactor design and TRISO fuel manufacturing capabilities is a great example of working hand-in-hand with industry. This collaboration between government and industry is essential in driving innovation and propelling the US towards its goal of becoming a global leader in nuclear energy.
- The new production line at BWX Technologies, a key component of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, uses additive manufacturing technology, as it includes a chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) furnace.
- The United States' leadership in nuclear energy is not limited to terrestrial energy production; NASA is developing a new kind of nuclear fuel, americium-241, through robotics and science, which could power long-duration space missions.
- The advancements in TRISO fuel production and the use of additive manufacturing demonstrate the pivotal role of technology in the industry, as these innovations contribute to the growth of the small modular reactor and microreactor markets, aligned with US energy transition goals.
- In the realm of finance, BWXT has agreements for collaboration with the Wyoming Energy Authority and a Tata Chemicals subsidiary, supporting the development of new nuclear fuel sources for next-generation reactors, with hopes to achieve nuclear criticality by 2026.
- The synergy between technology, science, and industry, as shown in BWXT's work on TRISO fuel production, is essential for driving innovation and achieving the US goal of becoming a global leader in nuclear energy, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to a decarbonized energy solution.
