NuScale and MillenniTEK have produced the first safety-grade pellets for an SMR design already cleared by the NRC, moving a key piece of reactor hardware off the drawing board and into fabrication
The nuclear energy landscape continues to become more sophisticated due to the freedom that companies have to experiment with the use of technology and scientific expertise. The United States has for a long time been the leading nuclear energy-producing country, but U.S. based companies are still not complacent, displaying an eagerness to further enhance the nation’s dominance. As of late, NuScale and MillenniTEK produced the first safety-grade pellets for an SMR design already cleared by the NRC, moving a key piece of reactor hardware off the drawing board and into fabrication.
Unpacking NuScale and MillenniTEK’s influence on the nuclear energy sector
NuScale Power Corporation, founded in 2007, is the industry-leading provider of proprietary and innovative advanced small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology, with the overall aim of helping power the global energy transition by delivering safe, scalable, and reliable carbon-free energy. The company’s ability to exist throughout different eras in the energy industry is a testament to how much it has adapted to the latest methods of energy generation.
Among its standout technologies is the NuScale Power Module, which is its groundbreaking SMR technology. It is a small, safe, pressurized water reactor that is capable of generating 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe) or 250 megawatts thermal (gross) and can be scaled to meet customer needs through an array of flexible configurations up to 924 MWe.
MillenniTEK is a company that was formed in 2010 by a management buyout of Millennium Materials. It mainly focuses on innovation and quality, with its NQA-1-focused team doubling production capacity. As of now, the company’s main focus is changing the world through cutting-edge technology and materials.
NuScale and MillenniTEK have produced the first safety-grade pellets for an SMR design
A recent press release from NuScale Power Corporation revealed that the company has collaborated with MillenniTEK to successfully fabricate the first-of-a-kind boron-oxide pellets for NuScale’s passive emergency core cooling system (ECCS). The two companies have achieved so much success on their own to the point where industry experts are excited at the prospect of them coming together in pursuit of a groundbreaking project.
The recent milestone represents an essential step in NuScale’s continued progress toward commercialization preparedness by furthering the development of specialized components and manufacturing processes that support the deployment of its U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved SMR technology.
When companies decide to collaborate, it is of the utmost importance that they complement each other effectively so that the project can be executed successfully. This particular initiative reflects NuScale’s dedication to safety, technical rigor, and the continued maturation of its supply chain and manufacturing abilities.
Analyzing the importance of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
The United States government has played an integral role in the projects that have materialized during the clean energy transition by making it less restrictive for developers to receive approval. Upon ECCS actuation in a plant with NuScale technology, the pellets are designed to dissolve into the reactor coolant to help control and maintain core reactivity at safe levels without operator intervention.
It is expected that many other companies will learn from the successful completion of this project and follow the blueprint established by the companies involved. The fabrication milestone shows MillenniTEK’s ability to support the advanced manufacturing requirements of next-generation nuclear technologies.
Reviewing the significance of developing the first safety-grade pellets
The companies involved in this first-of-a-kind project are set to improve their reputation and be recognized as one of the pioneers in nuclear energy development. John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer, stated the following:
“NuScale’s technology is built on a commitment to safety, simplicity, and deployability, and this milestone reflects the continued progress we are making to prepare our technology and supply chain for commercial deployment in the near-term.”
The nuclear sector will be highly beneficial during the ongoing clean energy transition, with the U.S. attempting to meet its overall targets and eliminate carbon emissions. NuScale and MillenniTEK deserve tremendous credit for their innovativeness.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
