Industry Update—November 2024

Here is a recap of industry happenings from the recent past:

ADVANCED REACTOR MARKETPLACE

Startup Longview Fusion signs CRADA with LLNL

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Longview Fusion Energy Systems have reached a cooperative research and development agreement that builds upon the LLNL National Ignition Facility's repeated demonstrations of fusion energy gain and supports Longview's efforts toward the commercialization of fusion energy. The agreement calls for the national lab and the California company to combine their laser fusion science and technology expertise for the purpose of developing a performance/economic model that can optimize Longview's fusion power plant designs. In addition, critical requirements are established for Longview's fusion technology systems and facilities, while a technology road map to mature these systems is being developed. The new agreement complements a set of Department of Energy programs involving LLNL and Longview that are designed to accelerate the delivery of laser fusion energy according to the Biden administration's Bold Decadal Vision for fusion commercialization.

Terrestrial Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with Numerical Advisory Solutions (NAS) to advance their collaboration regarding site evaluation, plant development, and project deployment for the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR). NAS, a North Carolina-based engineering and analysis firm that is part of the Zachry Group, has been assisting Terrestrial with thermohydraulic modeling of IMSR systems since 2022. The new MOU establishes a strategic collaboration that leverages NAS's relationships in the industrial sector to accelerate IMSR plant development and deployment. The firms will evaluate sites in the United States for IMSR plant deployment, especially sites in Texas, followed by cooperation on project development, construction, and commercial operation. In addition to its collaboration with NAS, Terrestrial has joined the Texas Nuclear Alliance and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group.

Separately, NAS has signed an agreement with TerraPower for molten salt reactor development. The basic ordering agreement covers owner's engineering support services and start-up support services for TerraPower's Natrium demonstration project in Kemmerer, Wyo. The signing expands on an existing partnership between the two companies for this project and, according to a statement from NAS, represents "a significant step forward in our commitment to innovative energy solutions and showcases our dedication to driving sustainable development."

Savannah River National Laboratory and Antares Nuclear have signed a cooperative research and development agreement to develop technology for the deployment and utilization of small reactor-based power systems. The national lab and the California-based company agreed to collaborate in a number of areas, including fuel cycle management, modular facility deployment, specialized engineering, and security considerations. The partnership aims to accelerate the deployment of microreactors in both defense and commercial applications in the United States. SRNL and Antares will cooperatively address several critical operational energy needs with the microreactors, including response to domestic natural disasters and preparedness for deploying military forces and installation power at difficult locations, such as underwater and in space.

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, the nuclear business of GE Vernova, has signed new MOUs with Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Jacobs, and Laing O'Rourke related to deployment of its BWRX-300 small modular reactor, including potential deployment in the United Kingdom. The agreements are expected to help GEH as it progresses through Great British Nuclear's SMR selection competition. Aecon is to provide construction services, including project management, construction planning, and execution, for the BWRX-300 deployment at Ontario Power Generation's Darlington New Nuclear Project, where commercial operation is expected to begin by the end of 2029. AtkinsRéalis is providing architectural and engineering services for that project. GEH's cooperation with Jacobs will enhance its design capabilities as tailored to the United Kingdom. O'Rourke is to support the development of the U.K. program with its expertise in modern methods of construction. In addition to these agreements, GEH is collaborating with Sheffield Forgemasters on BWRX-300 deployment in the United Kingdom.

Saipem, an oilfield services company based in Italy, has signed a cooperation agreement with British-headquartered Newcleo to examine potential offshore applications of Newcleo's Small Modular Lead-cooled Fast Reactor (SM-LFR) technology. Saipem is interested in using this advanced compact reactor technology to provide electricity and process heat to offshore oil and gas installations. The company is also considering using the technology to produce electricity with floating nuclear units connected to the grid on land. The new agreement initiated a feasibility analysis on the possible development of SM-LFR prototypes, which Saipem hopes will help in achieving its net-zero goals by 2050. Newcleo intends to deploy its first-of-a-kind 30-MWe SM-LFR in France by 2030 and its 200-MWe commercial SM-LFR in the United Kingdom by 2033.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

Texas Nuclear Alliance continues adding new founding members

Natura Resources, headquartered in Abilene, Texas, has joined the Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNA) as a founding member. Natura is a developer of advanced reactor technologies for the production of energy, medical isotopes, and clean water. The company's liquid--fueled, molten salt-cooled reactor is slated for deployment at Abilene Christian University-in the form of a nonpower test reactor dubbed the Natura MSR-1-following the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's safety assessment and construction permit issuance in September.

The University of Texas-Austin has also become a founding member of TNA. The university is home to a Nuclear and Radiation Engineering Program that was established more than 40 years ago and a Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory that hosts popular tours for the public.

TNA was established in 2022 to advance the nuclear energy industry in Texas and to help make the state "the cornerstone of the nuclear resurgence," in the words of TNA president Reed Clay. According to a statement from the alliance, "If Texas and the world want low-carbon, reliable energy, it can no longer turn its back on nuclear energy." The other founding members of TNA include Terrestrial Energy, Constellation, Oklo, Uranium Energy Corporation, enCore, Bridgeport Instruments, Vistra, International Nuclear Solutions, CPS Energy, and Texas A&M University. The organization is hosting the inaugural Texas Nuclear Summit in November in Austin.

Illinois-based ASC Engineered Solutions, which was formerly known as the combined Anvil International-Smith-Cooper International, has opened a new fully certified service center in Johns-town, Pa. The ASC Service Center specializes in a complete suite of mechanical and hydraulic snubber inspection, testing, and repair services for the nuclear power industry, integrating original equipment manufacturing, machining, and a hot-shop service center. The facility, which is only the second fully certified center of its kind in North America, is able to service all types of mechanical and hydraulic snubbers, with technicians who can test, inspect, repair, and certify contaminated snubbers under a radioactive material license.

CONTRACTS

Paragon becomes exclusive North American rep for IMI valves

Safety-related products supplier Paragon Energy Solutions has entered into a strategic agreement with IMI Process Automation, a provider of valve and flow control technology based in the United Kingdom. With the agreement, Paragon becomes the exclusive North American representative of IMI's valves and associated equipment for both legacy and next-generation nuclear reactors. Paragon and IMI each have been focused on developing innovative technologies to extend the lives of currently operating nuclear reactors, on supporting power uprates, and on commercializing next-generation technologies. The relationship with IMI will help Paragon strengthen its position as a supplier of difficult-to-obtain specialty equipment for the nuclear industry, such as valve positioners, digital instrumentation and controls, neutron monitoring, and HVAC equipment.