Articles tagged with "nuclear-reactor"
World's largest polymer 3D printer makes giant nuclear reactor parts
US scientists at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) have pioneered a faster, cost-effective method for manufacturing large nuclear reactor components using the world’s largest polymer 3D printer. The team created massive, precision-shaped concrete form liners for Kairos Power’s next-generation 35-megawatt Hermes reactor under construction in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. These liners, each three feet thick and 27 feet tall with complex sinusoidal curves, were produced to meet tight commercial deadlines and millimeter-level precision requirements, overcoming the limitations of traditional construction methods. The project leveraged ASCC’s advanced printing capabilities, including a hybrid casting system and rigorous digital scanning and metrology to ensure exact conformity to digital models. This collaboration, supported by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and part of the SM²ART alliance, highlights the university’s role in accelerating manufacturing innovation and workforce development. Additionally, UMaine is developing the Material Process Property Warehouse (MPPW), an AI
energynuclear-reactor3D-printingpolymer-materialsadvanced-manufacturingconstruction-technologysustainable-materials40 Tomahawks on One Submarine — Block V Virginia-Class
The Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines represent a pinnacle of undersea warfare technology, combining decades of innovation into a highly advanced and adaptable platform. These submarines are designed for stealth, endurance, and versatility, featuring near-silent propulsion systems, anechoic coatings, and isolated machinery to minimize noise and avoid detection. Powered by nuclear reactors that last the vessel’s entire service life, they carry about 130 crew members and can undertake a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, land attacks, special operations support, and deployment of unmanned underwater vehicles. A significant advancement in the class is the Block V variant, which incorporates the Virginia Payload Module (VPM)—an 84-foot hull extension housing four large missile tubes capable of launching up to 28 additional Tomahawk cruise missiles. This enhancement effectively transforms the submarine into a near-arsenal platform, compensating for the retirement of Ohio-class guided-missile submarines and reinforcing U.S. and allied naval
energynuclear-reactorsubmarine-technologypropulsion-systemsmilitary-materialsunmanned-underwater-vehiclesnaval-engineeringUS: Deep Fission to bury nuclear reactor a mile underground in Kansas
Deep Fission, a US-based company, has announced plans to build its first full-scale commercial small modular nuclear reactor a mile underground at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas. This advanced reactor pilot project, called the Gravity Nuclear Reactor, combines oil and gas borehole drilling, geothermal technology, and a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design. The underground placement enhances safety by eliminating the need for large above-ground containment structures and reduces construction costs. The reactor will generate 15 megawatts (electric) and can be scaled by deploying multiple units at the site. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for December 9, with construction and criticality targeted for completion by July 4, 2026, pending authorization from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Deep Fission is participating in the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to accelerate advanced nuclear technology deployment through a streamlined regulatory process. The company has signed a letter of intent with the Great Plains Development Authority to collaborate on the pilot
energynuclear-reactorsmall-modular-reactorDeep-Fissionunderground-reactorpressurized-water-reactorgeothermal-technologyBill Gates-backed nuclear reactor gets construction approval in hurry
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted expedited construction approval for a $10 billion, 345-megawatt experimental sodium-cooled fast reactor called Natrium, designed by TerraPower, a company co-founded by Bill Gates. The permit application, submitted in March 2024, was originally slated for review completion in August 2026 but was accelerated to meet an 18-month timeline mandated by a Trump-era executive order. This rush, driven by political pressure from Congress and the White House, has drawn criticism from the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), which argues that the NRC compromised its safety review obligations by curtailing the evaluation and potentially overlooking unresolved safety issues. Critics, including UCS nuclear safety director Dr. Edwin Lyman, warn that the Natrium reactor design has significant safety concerns, such as the use of liquid sodium coolant, which is highly flammable, and inherent reactor instabilities that could cause rapid, uncontrolled power increases. Additionally, the
energynuclear-reactorTerraPowerBill-Gatessodium-cooled-reactornuclear-safetyadvanced-reactorsUS develops advanced nuclear reactor concept with high-temp cladding
General Atomics, supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE), has completed the conceptual design phase of its 44 MW Fast Modular Reactor (FMR), a helium gas-cooled fast reactor employing silicon carbide-wrapped high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel. This advanced fuel cladding is engineered to tolerate temperatures twice as high as those in conventional light-water reactors, enhancing safety and performance. The FMR is designed as a compact, modular system occupying about 0.2 acres, capable of factory manufacturing and on-site assembly. Notably, it can operate with an air-cooling system, eliminating the need for water and enabling deployment in arid or remote locations unsuitable for traditional water-cooled reactors. The project has progressed with the submission of licensing documents to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including Principal Design Criteria and Quality Assurance plans, with pre-application materials docketed to support future licensing. Prototype fuel rods matching final design specifications are undergoing irradiation testing at
energynuclear-reactorfast-modular-reactorsilicon-carbideHALEU-fueladvanced-reactor-demonstrationnuclear-energy-materialsWorld’s first fast-neutron nuclear reactor to power AI data centers
French startup Stellaria has secured its first power reservation from Equinix for Stellarium, the world’s first fast-neutron molten-salt nuclear reactor designed to reduce nuclear waste. Stellarium is a fourth-generation reactor using liquid chloride salt fuel in a closed fuel cycle, capable of destroying more long-lived nuclear waste than it produces—a milestone no commercial reactor has yet achieved. The compact reactor, occupying only four cubic meters, can utilize a wide range of nuclear fuels including uranium, plutonium, MOX, minor actinides, and thorium. Stellaria aims to achieve its first fission reaction by 2029 and begin commercial deployment by 2035. Key design features include passive cooling, four physical containment barriers, and operation for over 20 years without refueling, making it a safe, resilient, and scalable clean energy source. The agreement with Equinix will enable the company’s AI data centers to operate autonomously with carbon-free, controllable nuclear power, supporting sustainable and dec
energynuclear-reactorfast-neutron-reactorclean-energyAI-data-centerssustainable-energymolten-salt-reactorUS lab heats up advanced nuclear reactor fuel testing for critical performance
Lightbridge Corporation has initiated irradiation testing of its enriched uranium-zirconium alloy fuel samples at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) within Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This marks a critical transition from manufacturing to active performance evaluation under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with INL. The testing aims to gather essential data on the fuel alloy’s microstructural changes and thermal conductivity as a function of burnup, which are key parameters for qualifying and licensing the fuel for commercial nuclear reactor use. Throughout the campaign, irradiated samples will be periodically extracted for post-irradiation examination at INL to assess the fuel’s behavior over time. This detailed analysis will validate the thermo-mechanical properties of the fuel alloy and support Lightbridge’s goal of deploying the advanced fuel in existing and new water-cooled reactors. The testing follows successful prior technical milestones, including the co-extrusion manufacturing process of the fuel samples, which involved encasing a uranium-zirconium billet within zirconium alloy cladding
energynuclear-reactoradvanced-materialsfuel-testinguranium-zirconium-alloyirradiation-testingthermal-conductivityUS startup hits key nuclear milestone with help from Los Alamos lab
Valar Atomics, a nuclear startup based in El Segundo, has achieved a significant milestone by reaching criticality—a controlled, sustained nuclear fission reaction—marking the first time a U.S. nuclear startup has done so. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with Los Alamos National Laboratory, which provided structural components and supported fuel testing. The criticality achieved was "cold" or zero-power, meaning the reactor sustained the chain reaction without producing heat or electricity, serving primarily to validate reactor design and fuel geometry. Valar’s founder, Isaiah Taylor, emphasized that this milestone signals a new era in American nuclear engineering characterized by rapid development and closer federal-private sector partnerships. This breakthrough is part of a broader Department of Energy (DOE) pilot program aimed at accelerating nuclear innovation by allowing startups to bypass the traditionally lengthy Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval process for criticality tests. The program, initiated under the Trump administration and continuing with DOE support, enables research reactors to be developed under a research
energynuclear-energynuclear-reactorValar-AtomicsLos-Alamos-National-Laboratorynuclear-startupcriticalityValar Atomics Says It's the First Nuclear Startup to Achieve Criticality
Valar Atomics, a nuclear startup based in El Segundo, California, announced it has achieved criticality—a key milestone in nuclear reactor development—making it the first startup in a Department of Energy (DOE) pilot program to do so. This pilot program, initiated following a 2020 executive order, aims to help at least three startups reach criticality by July 4, 2024, and has accelerated regulatory processes that traditionally slowed nuclear innovation. Valar’s achievement involved a reactor combining its proprietary fuel and technology with structural components from Los Alamos National Laboratory, marking a significant step in validating its reactor design and fuel geometry through zero-power or cold criticality tests. Criticality refers to the point at which a nuclear reactor sustains a chain reaction, essential for power generation, though cold criticality itself does not produce usable heat. Valar’s milestone demonstrates the physics of its reactor concept, though it is not yet producing power. The startup, which emerged from stealth earlier this year and recently
energynuclear-energynuclear-reactorfissionstartupcriticalityDepartment-of-EnergyUS approves advanced nuclear fuel facility for Oklo’s first reactor
The US Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office has approved the Nuclear Safety Design Agreement (NSDA) for Oklo’s Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility (A3F), marking a significant milestone in the company’s plan to develop advanced nuclear technology. Located at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the A3F will produce fuel for Oklo’s first commercial-scale reactor, Aurora-INL, which is also part of the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program. By co-locating fuel fabrication and reactor operation, Oklo aims to create an integrated system that accelerates the commercial deployment of advanced nuclear energy technologies in the US. This approval utilizes a modernized DOE authorization process designed for research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects, offering a streamlined and faster pathway for advanced reactor developers to validate their technologies before seeking full commercial licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The NSDA approval, granted in under two weeks, is the first under the DOE’s new Fuel Line Pilot Projects
energynuclear-energyadvanced-nuclear-fuelOkloclean-powerenergy-technologynuclear-reactor9 forgotten nuclear inventions from the Atomic Age
The article explores nine ambitious but ultimately abandoned nuclear inventions from the Atomic Age, a period marked by optimism about nuclear power’s potential beyond weaponry. Driven by Cold War competition, engineers sought to harness nuclear energy for various applications, including transportation and warfare. Among these was the Convair NB-36H “Crusader,” an experimental aircraft that carried an onboard nuclear reactor to study radiation shielding and safety for future nuclear-powered flight. Despite 47 test flights, safety concerns about reactor containment in crashes led to the program’s cancellation in 1957. Another notable project was “Project Orion,” which proposed propelling spacecraft using controlled nuclear explosions against a shock-absorbing plate, promising rapid interplanetary and interstellar travel. However, the 1963 Partial Test Ban Treaty banning nuclear explosions in space ended this visionary concept. Other innovations included the Chrysler TV-8, a conceptual nuclear-powered tank with amphibious capabilities and a modular turret housing crew and engine components, which was shelved in 195
energynuclear-poweratomic-agenuclear-propulsionnuclear-reactorCold-War-technologynuclear-innovationsRussia flexes nuclear muscle with 8,700-mile cruise missile test
Russia has announced a significant test of its experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile, the 9M730 Burevestnik (NATO codename SSC-X-9 “Skyfall”), claiming it flew nonstop for 15 hours over approximately 8,700 miles (14,000 kilometers) powered by a compact onboard nuclear reactor. This test, disclosed on October 21, 2025, was publicized alongside large-scale Russian nuclear drills and touted by state media as evidence of advanced development. However, no independent verification—such as satellite imagery or international monitoring—has confirmed the flight, and Western defense officials remain skeptical, viewing the announcement more as a demonstration of resolve than a confirmed technical breakthrough. Past Burevestnik tests have been inconsistent, including a 2019 accident at the Nyonoksa test range that caused fatalities and a radiation spike, linked to the missile’s development. The Burevestnik revives Cold War-era concepts, drawing inspiration from the U.S. Project Pluto of
energynuclear-propulsionmissile-technologyBurevestniknuclear-reactordefense-technologyRussiaUS' first liquid-fueled Gen IV nuclear reactor set for 2026 deployment
US-based Natura Resources is set to deploy the first Generation IV liquid-fueled molten salt reactor (LF-MSR) in the United States by 2026, marking a significant milestone in advanced nuclear energy. The company’s 1-megawatt MSR-1 system, located at Abilene Christian University (ACU), received a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in September 2024. Natura Resources has secured key milestones including the NRC license, a completed reactor facility, fuel commitments from the Department of Energy (DOE), and strong support from Texas, positioning it as the frontrunner in Gen IV reactor deployment. The DOE’s Idaho National Lab also projects Natura’s MSR-1 as the first Gen IV reactor deployment in the US. The LF-MSR design uses molten salt as both fuel and coolant, operating at high temperatures and low pressure, which enhances safety and efficiency compared to conventional solid-fuel reactors. This technology can recycle waste fuel, produce
energynuclear-reactorGen-IV-reactormolten-salt-reactoradvanced-energy-technologypower-generationclean-energyUS firms to trial nuclear reactor aboard satellite for space travel
Texas-based Space Ocean Corporation and Space Nuclear Power Corporation have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on testing a 10-kilowatt micro nuclear reactor aboard Space Ocean’s ALV-N satellite. This partnership aims to integrate Space Nukes’ reactor technology with Space Ocean’s fluid logistics and delivery infrastructure to support sustained orbital and planetary missions, including lunar and deep space operations. If successful, Space Nukes will become a key supplier of nuclear power units for future Space Ocean missions. The reactor technology is based on the KRUSTY design developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory for NASA, which has been ground-tested and requires no further development or testing, offering a scalable, reliable power source for long-duration space missions. Space Nukes’ first-generation reactors, ranging from 1 to 20 kWe, are compact and lightweight enough for various deep space applications and are designed to operate autonomously for decades. The 10-kWe variant weighs approximately 1,300 kg and uses a highly
energynuclear-reactorspace-technologymicroreactorsatellite-powerspace-explorationnuclear-power-unitsIndia's new submarines to get 200-MWe nuclear reactor to boost power
India is developing a new 200-MWe nuclear reactor at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) to power its next-generation submarines, including the S5 Nuclear Class Submarine and six planned Nuclear Attack Submarines (Project 77). This pressurized light-water reactor fueled by enriched uranium is highly fuel-efficient, capable of operating up to ten years without refueling. The design and simulation phases are complete, and production is imminent. This reactor will significantly enhance India’s submarine capabilities by providing higher speed, longer range, and improved stealth compared to the current 83-MWe reactors used in submarines like INS Arihant and INS Arighaat. The upgrade aims to bolster India’s strategic defense posture amid China’s rapidly expanding and technologically advanced nuclear submarine fleet, which is expected to become the world’s largest by 2030. The S5-class submarines, with a displacement of 13,000 tons and armed with 12 to 16 K-5 submarine-la
energynuclear-reactorsubmarine-technologynaval-powernuclear-propulsiondefense-technologyIndia-NavyNorth Korea possibly received nuclear reactor for submarine from Russia
South Korean military intelligence has reported that Russia may have supplied North Korea with nuclear reactor modules suitable for submarine propulsion, potentially including complete functioning reactors. These modules, possibly delivered in the first half of 2024, are believed to have been taken from decommissioned Russian submarines and include critical components such as reactors, turbines, and cooling systems. Since 2023, North Korea has reportedly been persistently requesting nuclear submarine technology and advanced fighter jets from Russia, with Moscow initially hesitant but seemingly agreeing to provide the submarine technology this year. Nuclear submarines, powered by pressurized water reactors, offer significant stealth advantages as they can operate submerged for long periods and are difficult to detect by conventional sonar or radar, though they emit a heat signature from their reactors. Possession of such technology would substantially enhance North Korea’s military capabilities, enabling covert operations in enemy territories and posing a serious threat to South Korea and potentially the United States. While North Korea may lack the indigenous capability to build nuclear submarines independently
energynuclear-reactorsubmarine-technologynuclear-propulsionmilitary-technologystealth-vesselsnuclear-energyUS to advance fusion reactor design to tackle heat, improve fuel
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched four new collaborative projects under the Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) program to address critical challenges in fusion energy development. These projects—SWIFT-PFCs, BCTF, FILMS, and MiRACL—focus on advancing durable materials for reactor components, improving heat extraction and fuel breeding, and enhancing reactor safety. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) plays a leading role in several initiatives, including developing plasma-facing materials for reactor walls and designing an integrated liquid metal cooling and fuel-breeding system. The BCTF project, led by ORNL, will build the Helium and Salt Technology Experiment (HASTE) facility to test prototype blanket and coolant systems, filling a gap in fusion research infrastructure. Additionally, the MiRACL project, led by Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) with ORNL as a partner, aims to mitigate risks from sudden plasma confinement loss ("disruptions") through simulation and machine
fusion-energynuclear-reactorplasma-facing-materialsliquid-metal-coolingheat-extractionfuel-breedingreactor-safetyUS reviewing SOLO nuclear reactor design and safety submission
Terra Innovatum is advancing the development and regulatory approval of its SOLO micro-modular nuclear reactor, designed to deliver approximately one megawatt of electricity per unit. The company has partnered with ATB Riva Calzoni, a global nuclear component manufacturer, to scale production and accelerate commercialization. The SOLO reactor aims to form a scalable modular energy platform ranging from megawatt to gigawatt-class capacities. Terra Innovatum submitted key regulatory documents to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), including the Principal Design Criteria (PDC) report, which outlines fundamental safety and design requirements. The NRC is currently reviewing the design, with an expected completion of the review by the end of 2025 and issuance of a Safety Evaluation by April 2026. The SOLO reactor features a solid heterogeneous composite moderator and is compatible with various fuels, including traditional low-enriched uranium (LEU), LEU+, and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). It uses helium gas
energynuclear-reactormicro-modular-reactorclean-energyenergy-innovationnuclear-safetyenergy-manufacturingSatellite photos show new work at Israel’s secretive nuclear site
New satellite images reveal significant construction activity at Israel’s Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center near Dimona, a site long associated with the country’s clandestine nuclear weapons program. Experts analyzing the images suggest the new facility could either be a heavy water reactor—capable of producing plutonium for nuclear warheads—or a site for assembling nuclear arms. The exact purpose remains uncertain due to Israel’s strict secrecy and refusal to allow international inspections. The construction includes thick concrete walls and multiple underground levels, with no containment dome visible yet, though one could be added later or may not be necessary if Israel is pursuing a dome-less reactor design. The existing Dimona reactor, operational since the 1960s, is well beyond its typical lifespan, increasing the likelihood that the new construction is intended as a replacement. The timing is notable, occurring shortly after Israel and the U.S. targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, including a heavy water reactor. Analysts emphasize Israel’s policy of “nuclear ambiguity,” neither confirming
energynuclear-energynuclear-reactorheavy-water-reactornuclear-weaponssatellite-imagerynuclear-materialsChina's Hualong One becomes world's most deployed 3rd-gen reactor design
China’s Hualong One nuclear reactor has become the world’s most deployed third-generation reactor design, with 41 units currently in operation globally. Entirely domestically produced, each unit can generate approximately 10 billion kilowatt-hours of clean energy annually, sufficient to power about one million people in a moderately developed country. The reactor, also known as the HPR1000 for export, is a pressurized water reactor (PWR) that incorporates advanced safety features and efficiency improvements learned from previous generations, including lessons from the Fukushima disaster. Seven units are already grid-connected, with Pakistan being the first overseas customer and Argentina also among the partners. Over 20 additional countries have signed cooperation agreements to deploy the technology. The Hualong One reactors contribute significantly to carbon emissions reduction, avoiding around 8 million tonnes of CO₂ per year per unit. The Karachi units in Pakistan have collectively generated about 48 billion kWh and prevented approximately 39 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The first unit was
energynuclear-energyHualong-Oneclean-energynuclear-reactorpower-generationChina-energy-technologyBill Gates-backed TerraPower eyes Utah for 345 MW nuclear reactor
Bill Gates-backed TerraPower has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Utah Office of Energy Development and land developer Flagship Companies to identify potential sites in Utah for building a 345 MW Natrium nuclear reactor and energy storage plant. The collaboration aims to support Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox’s Operation Gigawatt initiative, which seeks to develop a diverse and reliable energy ecosystem for Utah and the western United States. The site selection process, expected to yield a preliminary list by the end of 2025, will consider factors such as community support, site characteristics, licensing feasibility, and infrastructure access. TerraPower’s Natrium reactor is a sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system, capable of boosting its output from 345 MW to 500 MW depending on demand. This advanced design uses significantly less water than traditional light water reactors and small modular reactors, making it suitable for water-constrained regions like the Mountain West. TerraPower is currently building the first Nat
energynuclear-reactorTerraPowerNatrium-reactorenergy-storageclean-energyadvanced-nuclear-technologyWhy the US Is Racing to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon
NASA aims to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, an ambitious goal that could revolutionize space exploration by providing a substantial and reliable power source for lunar bases and future missions across the solar system. This initiative revives decades-old ambitions to scale up nuclear power in space and is partly driven by geopolitical competition, as China and Russia have announced plans to deploy a lunar reactor by the mid-2030s. Securing the first operational reactor on the Moon could allow a country to establish exclusive zones, potentially limiting other nations' activities, including NASA’s Artemis program intended to establish a permanent presence at the lunar South Pole. Experts believe the 2030 timeline is challenging but feasible given current technology. The main obstacles have historically been political will and mission demand rather than technical capability. Recent policy shifts, including NASA’s selection of nuclear power as the primary energy source for crewed Mars missions, combined with growing private sector interest from companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin,
energynuclear-reactorspace-explorationlunar-powerNASAextraterrestrial-energyspace-technologyNASA fast-tracks Moon reactor to counter China's space ambitions
NASA is accelerating plans to deploy a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to maintain U.S. leadership in space amid growing competition from China and Russia. This initiative, announced by interim NASA chief Sean Duffy, marks a significant upgrade from previous efforts focused on a smaller 40-kilowatt reactor. The nuclear power source is critical for sustaining a long-term human presence on the Moon, as it can provide continuous energy despite the lunar environment’s challenges, such as the nearly 14-day-long lunar night and extreme temperature swings that limit solar power effectiveness. The move is also strategically motivated by concerns over the joint China-Russia International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which includes plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036. The U.S. fears that the first nation to establish a lunar nuclear reactor could impose “keep-out zones” restricting other countries’ access to key lunar resources, particularly at strategic locations like the lunar poles. The
energynuclear-reactorlunar-powerNASAspace-energyMoon-base-energyspace-exploration-energyCompact neutrino experiment unlocks first-ever reactor mystery
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics (MPIK) have successfully detected antineutrinos from a nuclear reactor using the compact CONUS+ experiment, which employs a small 3 kg germanium semiconductor detector. Positioned 20.7 meters from the core of the Leibstadt nuclear power plant in Switzerland, the detector recorded an excess of 395±106 neutrino signals over 119 days, confirming the observation of Coherent Elastic Neutrino-Nucleus Scattering (CEvNS) at full coherence from a reactor source. This process, where low-energy neutrinos scatter off entire atomic nuclei, had previously only been observed at particle accelerators, making this the first such detection at reactor energies. The CONUS+ experiment’s results align well with theoretical predictions and demonstrate the feasibility of using small, mobile detectors to monitor reactor neutrino emissions. This breakthrough offers new opportunities for fundamental physics research, including tests of the Standard Model with reduced nuclear physics uncertainties and enhanced sensitivity to potential new physics
energynuclear-reactorneutrino-detectionsemiconductor-detectorsparticle-physicsCoherent-Elastic-Neutrino-Nucleus-ScatteringCONUS+-experimentBreakthrough nuclear cooling system passes key test at Idaho lab
The MARVEL microreactor project at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has successfully completed a critical three-month testing campaign of its innovative cooling system using the Primary Coolant Apparatus Test (PCAT), a non-nuclear facility designed to simulate the reactor’s thermal behavior. MARVEL features a unique sodium-potassium coolant and a natural circulation passive cooling mechanism that allows the reactor to cool itself without pumps, relying on natural convection. The PCAT tests confirmed the viability of this cooling approach, demonstrating stable natural circulation flow capable of safely managing up to 100 kilowatts of thermal power, with expectations that the actual reactor will perform even better due to enhanced heat removal capacity. In addition to validating the cooling system, the PCAT campaign rigorously tested INL’s thermal-hydraulic design and safety analysis software, RELAP5-3D, with experimental data closely matching the software’s predictions, boosting confidence in operational and safety assessments. However, the tests revealed higher-than-anticipated heat losses in
energynuclear-reactorcooling-systemmicroreactorthermal-powerpassive-coolingIdaho-National-LaboratoryJapan plans new nuclear reactor, first since 2011 Fukushima crisis
Japan is planning to resume nuclear reactor construction for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, signaling a significant policy shift toward nuclear energy. Kansai Electric Power Co. has announced plans to conduct surveys for a potential new reactor at its Mihama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui prefecture. This move comes amid rising electricity demand driven by power-intensive technologies like artificial intelligence and data centers, and reflects Japan’s urgent need to secure stable, carbon-free energy sources. The company aims to explore replacing the aging No. 1 reactor currently being decommissioned, though no construction timeline has been set. The announcement has been positively received by the market, with shares of Kansai Electric and related companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rising sharply. Mitsubishi’s SRZ-1200 reactor model is considered the leading candidate for the project. Japan currently operates 33 nuclear reactors, but fewer than half are active due to regulatory, safety, and public acceptance challenges following Fukushima. However, public opinion is shifting in favor of
energynuclear-powerJapan-energy-policyclean-energycarbon-free-electricitynuclear-reactorenergy-infrastructureFrench firm's fast neutron nuclear reactor gets $26 million boost
Stellaria, a French startup emerging from CEA and Schneider Electric, has secured €23 million (about $26.88 million) in new funding to develop the Stellarium, a fourth-generation fast neutron molten salt nuclear reactor. This reactor is designed to operate on a closed fuel cycle using chloride salt liquid fuel and aims to be the world’s first commercial reactor capable of destroying more long-lived nuclear waste than it produces. With total funding now at €33 million, including support from the France 2030 program, Stellaria plans to achieve its first fission reaction by 2029 and begin commercial deployment by 2035. The fresh capital will support technical, regulatory, and workforce expansion efforts, including filing for necessary nuclear installation authorizations and enhancing research collaborations. The Stellarium reactor emphasizes minimal innovation focused on proven principles to accelerate development and ensure safety and efficiency. Key features include passive cooling via natural convection, isogeneration to sustain its fuel cycle, and four physical containment barriers—one more
energynuclear-reactorfast-neutron-reactormolten-salt-reactorclean-energysustainable-energyenergy-innovation3D-printed steel endures month-long trial in extreme nuclear reactor
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have successfully tested 3D-printed capsules made from 316H stainless steel in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), one of the world’s most intense neutron flux environments. These capsules, produced using a laser powder-bed fusion additive manufacturing process, were designed to hold sample materials during irradiation experiments that simulate extreme nuclear reactor conditions. After a month-long irradiation period, the capsules remained fully intact, demonstrating that additively manufactured components can meet the stringent safety and performance standards required in nuclear environments. This milestone highlights the potential for additive manufacturing to revolutionize the production of critical nuclear reactor components by significantly reducing fabrication time and costs compared to traditional methods. The 316H stainless steel used offers high-temperature strength, corrosion and radiation resistance, and proven nuclear-grade weldability. The success of this test paves the way for broader adoption of 3D printing in nuclear materials and fuels research, enabling faster innovation and qualification of advanced reactor technologies. The
3D-printingstainless-steelnuclear-reactoradditive-manufacturingmaterials-testingirradiation-experimentsenergy-materialsWorld’s first hydrogen-generating nuclear reactor goes live in the US
NuScale Power Corporation, in partnership with GSE Solutions, has launched the world’s first fully integrated hydrogen production simulator within a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room environment at its headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon. This real-time simulator models hydrogen production exceeding 200 metric tons daily using nuclear-powered high-temperature steam electrolysis, centered around Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs) that simultaneously generate electricity, hydrogen, and clean water. The system not only validates the integrated nuclear-hydrogen platform but also serves as a training tool for operators, supporting workforce development as SMRs evolve from grid-only electricity providers to multi-output energy producers addressing industrial decarbonization, water scarcity, and clean molecule synthesis. NuScale’s approach highlights a strategic shift in SMR applications beyond electricity generation to becoming foundational assets in hydrogen and clean fuel economies. Unlike intermittent renewables, SMRs provide consistent thermal and electrical input essential for stable high-temperature electrolysis, enabling resilient and modular hydrogen production
energyhydrogen-productionnuclear-reactorsmall-modular-reactorclean-energyelectrolysisdecarbonizationIsrael hits Iran’s heavy-water reactor as Trump weighs attack plans
Tensions between Israel and Iran have sharply escalated following a series of missile strikes, with Israel reportedly launching airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor. Iranian state media confirmed the attack but assured there was no radiation danger, noting the facility had been evacuated beforehand. Israel warned civilians to evacuate the area prior to the strike, and in retaliation, Iran fired missiles targeting multiple locations in Israel, including a medical building and residential apartments. This exchange marks the seventh consecutive day of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear-related sites such as Natanz and Isfahan, with Iran responding in kind and urging civilians to seek shelter. The Arak reactor, located southwest of Tehran, uses heavy water to cool its nuclear reactor and, despite redesigns under the 2015 nuclear deal to reduce proliferation risks, remains a potential source for plutonium production, which could aid nuclear weapons development. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported a loss of “continuity of knowledge” at Ar
energynuclear-reactorheavy-waterIranIsraelmissile-strikesnuclear-proliferationFirst US nuclear reactor in 50 years to supply power where grids can’t
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is advancing the development of advanced microreactor technology through the MARVEL project, the first U.S. nuclear reactor in 50 years designed to supply power and heat in remote locations where traditional grids are unavailable. Managed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), MARVEL is an 85-kW thermal, 20-kW electric test reactor cooled by a sodium-potassium (NaK) alloy. It uses uranium hydride fuel rods moderated by hydrogen and surrounded by a beryllium reflector, employing existing technologies and off-the-shelf components for faster construction. The reactor is located at INL’s Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) and aims to serve as a physical test bed for integrated testing of reactor components, autonomous controls, microgrid interfaces, and process heat applications in a real nuclear environment. MARVEL’s development is divided into three phases over approximately five years. The first phase, currently underway, focuses on finalizing design,
energynuclear-reactormicroreactoradvanced-nuclear-technologyDepartment-of-Energymicrogridsodium-potassium-coolantAurora nuclear reactor may run US base for 10 years without refueling
Oklo has received a Notice of Intent to Award from the Defense Logistics Agency Energy to deploy its Aurora nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska. This marks the first formal US military project to adopt a commercial fast microreactor, aiming to enhance energy independence and operational security for defense infrastructure, particularly in remote or unstable environments. The Aurora reactor is designed to operate autonomously for up to 10 years without refueling, using recycled high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, which reduces nuclear waste and supports long-term, reliable power supply. Its liquid-metal-cooled fast reactor technology offers safety and efficiency advantages over traditional reactors, including a compact core and no need for pressurization. Eielson AFB, home to the 354th Fighter Wing and F-35A aircraft, faces logistical challenges due to its remote sub-Arctic location. The Aurora’s modular design and long fuel cycle will reduce dependence on vulnerable fuel supply
energynuclear-reactormicroreactormilitary-energy-resilienceautonomous-powersmall-modular-reactorsustainable-energySmall nuclear reactor to unleash 1,832°F heat in US for future power
NuCube Energy, a California-based company, is collaborating with the Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center (USREL) to test its next-generation small nuclear microreactor technology. This innovative reactor can deliver heat exceeding 1,832°F (1,000°C), enabling high-temperature industrial applications and off-grid power generation. The technology is notable for producing cost-competitive electricity that can rival natural gas, and it can operate independently from existing power grids, which is particularly beneficial for rural and industrial areas. The reactor design incorporates TRISO fuel and heat pipe technology to minimize moving parts, enhancing safety and reliability. Housed within a stainless-steel compartment, the microreactors also streamline permitting processes. The collaboration with USREL, known for demonstrating advanced power generation technologies, aims to advance NuCube’s modular reactors toward commercialization. This partnership is expected to support clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions while facilitating integration with chemical and energy conversion processes, potentially transforming energy access in states like Utah.
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energyquantum-communicationnuclear-reactorcybersecuritydigital-transformationquantum-encryptionclean-energyNew nuclear reactor built for world's most powerful icebreaker
energynuclear-reactoricebreakerArctic-shippingRosatomRITM-400maritime-technologyTrung Quốc hồi sinh công nghệ lò phản ứng muối nóng chảy thorium
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