AMPERA Partners with Lawrence Livermore National Lab for Next-Gen Nuclear Fuel Development

AMPERA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Forge a Powerful Partnership for Nuclear Fuel Innovation

In a significant move for the future of nuclear energy, AMPERA has announced a strategic alliance with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. This collaboration aims to advance the development of advanced nuclear fuel, particularly focusing on scalable production methods for Tri-Structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel, crucial for the next generation of nuclear energy systems.

The essence of this partnership revolves around fostering resilient, cost-effective manufacturing capabilities for TRISO fuel. This strategic endeavor seeks to lay the foundation for a secure domestic supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel, which is a cornerstone of AMPERA's long-term strategy.

Dr. Viktor Sukhotskiy, a Research Engineer and Principal Investigator at LLNL, discussed the collaborative effort with enthusiasm. "Public-private projects like this showcase the synergy that arises when LLNL’s renowned research capabilities blend with the commercial focus of partners like AMPERA. It's a chance to tackle challenging nuclear fuel issues while refining the fluid metal jetting manufacturing technology."

One of the focal points of this collaboration involves the evaluation and optimization of liquid-metal-jetting technology to create spherical thorium-232 kernels essential for TRISO fuel. This venture builds upon LLNL's innovative work in particle production utilizing droplet-based liquid-metal jetting, paving the way for advancements in metrics like particle uniformity and production speed. The project's scope encompasses advanced computational modeling, material compatibility assessments, and high-temperature procedural developments alongside rigorous safety measures for radiological handling.

AMPERA's proprietary advanced fuel platform boasts robust intellectual property protections, exhibited through over 60 patents—this includes unique technologies surrounding liquid metal jetting and innovative TRISO fuel manufacturing processes. In June, AMPERA unveiled an advanced fuel strategy aimed at constructing a dependable thorium fuel supply chain, emphasizing their commitment to harnessing nuclear energy's promising future.

"The establishment of scalable manufacturing capabilities for advanced nuclear fuel is critical to our vision at AMPERA," stated Brian Matthews, Founder and CEO of AMPERA. He expressed confidence that this partnership would expedite the technological groundwork necessary for a vertically integrated fuel supply, which could mitigate costs and minimize supply chain vulnerabilities.

The collaboration is also pivotal in supporting the development of AMPERA's solid-state subcritical nuclear energy platform, intended to enable compact, factory-produced power systems designed for up to 30 years of uninterrupted operation without the need for refueling. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, AMPERA's subcritical systems use an external neutron source, offering additional operational control and fostering innovative fuel cycles.

In a recent milestone, AMPERA unveiled what it posits as a pioneering full-scale, additively manufactured demonstration model of its nuclear core architecture. The intricate spherical, monolithic gyroid structure, 3D printed in silicon carbide, epitomizes the innovative architecture set to facilitate up to 30 years of operational efficiency.

AMPERA, as an advanced energy technology firm, is dedicated to developing scalable power solutions for data centers, defense sectors, and maritime applications. With a focused vision encapsulated in their motto, "Power Now. Nuclear Next," AMPERA seamlessly integrates cutting-edge manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and next-generation energy technologies, thereby ensuring the delivery of reliable, factory-built energy systems. By prioritizing the convergence of conventional power generation, advanced nuclear energy, and waste heat recovery, AMPERA is shaping pathways toward a future brimming with clean, abundant energy.

For more details about AMPERA and their initiatives, visit www.amperaglobal.com.