US: SOLO micro-reactor plan advances with nuclear-grade graphite deal

Terra Innovatum Global has taken a significant step toward deploying its SOLO micro-modular nuclear reactor by securing its first procurement order for nuclear-grade graphite from Mersen. This material is critical for the reactor’s safety and thermal performance and represents a key “long-lead” component needed for the company’s First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) reactor planned for 2027. The agreement with Mersen, a global leader in isostatic graphite production, supports Terra Innovatum’s strategy to mitigate supply chain risks and establish a foundation for serial manufacturing of future reactors, aligning with rising global demand for low-carbon energy. The SOLO reactor, developed since 2018, emphasizes the use of off-the-shelf commercial components to reduce costs and supply uncertainties, and it is designed to support both LEU+ and HALEU fuel types. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has initiated the formal safety review process, expected to conclude by October 2026, keeping the project on