Project Pele: Microreactor development speeds up with nuclear fuel delivery

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has reached a significant milestone in the development of Project Pele, a pioneering mobile microreactor prototype designed to provide resilient power for military operations. The recent delivery of tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel—advanced nuclear fuel composed of uranium, carbon, and oxygen particles coated with durable layers such as silicon carbide—marks a critical step forward. These fuel particles are highly resistant to heat, radiation, and corrosion, making them ideal for advanced reactors like Project Pele. The fuel fabrication and qualification involved collaboration among INL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Department of Energy’s Advanced Gas Reactor TRISO Fuel Qualification Program, leveraging unique world-class capabilities. Project Pele is led by the Department of War’s Strategic Capabilities Office in partnership with BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT), the Department of Energy, and INL. The first delivery of TRISO fuel was celebrated by these stakeholders, highlighting the collaborative effort to accelerate innovation in advanced nuclear fuels and