#USA #Nuclear Fuel #Palm Beach Gardens #AMPERA #Lawrence Livermore

AMPERA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Join Forces for Nuclear Fuel Innovation

In a significant move towards advancing nuclear energy technology, AMPERA has unveiled a strategic partnership with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), renowned for its innovative research within the U.S. Department of Energy. This collaboration aims to develop a new generation of advanced nuclear fuel, focusing specifically on the TRISO (Tri-Structural Isotropic) fuel type. By utilizing state-of-the-art technologies and LLNL's vast research capabilities, the partnership seeks to establish a robust, efficient, and sustainable supply chain for advanced nuclear fuels to support next-gen nuclear systems, including compact and sub-critical reactors.

Objectives and Goals

The primary goal of this collaborative venture is the scalable and resilient production of TRISO fuel, which is critical for the deployment of compact nuclear reactors. AMPERA aims to leverage LLNL's expertise to enhance the characterization, optimization, and production processes associated with TRISO fuels. Dr. Viktor Sukhotskiy, a research engineer at LLNL, emphasizes the importance of such collaborations, stating that they merge cutting-edge research capabilities with industrial partners' technological needs, paving the way for innovative solutions to complex nuclear fuel challenges.

This partnership also marks a milestone in the move towards domestic energy independence, as it aims to develop a secure national supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel. LLNL's experience in translating leading-edge scientific research into commercially viable technologies will be pivotal in achieving this ambition, with the hope that such efforts will lead to more affordable and reliable nuclear energy solutions.

Technological Innovations

Central to this initiative is the evaluation and optimization of liquid metal droplet jetting technology aimed at producing uniformly high-quality thorium 232 pellets for TRISO fuel. This advancement is based on previous LLNL research projects, where a new prototype production method using liquid metal droplet technology was developed. The collaboration will include numerical modeling, material compatibility testing, high-temperature process development, and safe handling procedures, facilitating the future commercialization of these technologies.

The use of proprietary techniques and an expanding portfolio of intellectual property, including over 60 patents related to liquid metal technology and TRISO fuel processes, will further reinforce AMPERA’s competitive edge in the nuclear energy field. As highlighted by Brian Matthews, AMPERA's founder and CEO, this partnership is crucial in accelerating the technical foundations needed for vertically-integrated fuel supply, minimizing supply chain risks, and ensuring the operational effectiveness of compact, sub-critical nuclear systems.

Long-term Vision

AMPERA’s long-term strategy envisions advanced fuel cycles combined with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and new generation neutron technologies playing a crucial role in a new class of scalable nuclear systems. Their solid-state, sub-critical nuclear energy platform is designed for long-term operation, reportedly up to 30 years without refueling, thus providing a distinct advantage over conventional reactors.

Additionally, AMPERA is concentrating on the development of a micro-nuclear reactor platform that caters to diverse energy demands, including data centers, defense applications, and industrial sectors. Unlike traditional reactors, these sub-critical systems rely on an external neutron source to enable and maintain their operation, introducing enhanced operational control and novel fuel cycle approaches.

On July 1, AMPERA revealed its first full-scale demonstration model of its nuclear core architecture, fabricated using 3D printing techniques. This prototype embodies a spherical, gyroidal design crafted from silicon carbide, accentuating AMPERA's commitment to innovation and adaptability in nuclear energy architecture with substantial operational lifetimes without resupply.

About AMPERA

AMPERA is at the forefront of advanced energy technologies, focusing on scalable energy solutions for sectors including data centers, defense, and maritime applications. Through its 'Power Now. Nuclear Next' initiative, AMPERA integrates advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation energy technologies to deliver reliable, factory-manufactured power systems. The company’s Integrated Energy Architecture™ facilitates waste heat recovery, conventional fuel-based electricity generation, and advanced nuclear solutions, steering towards a future characterized by clean and abundant energy. For more information, visit www.amperaglobal.com.