#USA #Santa Fe #Fusion Energy #Molten Salt #Lithium Materials

Molten Salt Solutions Awarded DOE INFUSE Funding

Molten Salt Solutions (MSS) has announced a significant achievement with the receipt of funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the INFUSE program, which focuses on innovation in fusion energy. This funding will support a pivotal project titled "Development of Fusion-Grade Lithium Material Specifications." The core objective is to create established standards for the lithium materials used in fusion energy systems, which are crucial for advancing this promising energy technology.

Fusion energy stands out for its potential to provide a clean and virtually inexhaustible power source. Central to this technology is high-purity lithium, which is necessary for breeding tritium and managing the components that make contact with plasma within fusion reactors. Yet, a gap exists in the fusion industry regarding well-defined specifications for lithium purity. Such specifications are vital for ensuring both safety and operational efficiency in reactor conditions, underscoring the importance of MSS's initiative.

With the DOE INFUSE funding, MSS will work closely with Los Alamos National Laboratory, the University of New Mexico, and Element 3 Energy based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This collaboration aims to define, characterize, and eventually validate the specifications for fusion-grade lithium materials. The comprehensive approach will assist in establishing a reliable domestic supply chain tailored specifically for fusion applications. Moreover, the initiative promises to unify material standards across the fusion sector, facilitating regulatory compliance, procurement, and engineering activities for developers focused on fusion reactors.

Dr. Elling, the CEO of Molten Salt Solutions, expressed gratitude for the recognition from the DOE, stating, "We are honored to receive this award. This project addresses a foundational need for the fusion industry. By defining these specifications, we are contributing to the essential infrastructure required to scale commercial fusion power." This sentiment echoes the broader ambitions of the industry, as the successful implementation of fusion energy relies heavily on the availability of suitable materials that meet stringent performance criteria.

The DOE INFUSE program exemplifies the government's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships aimed at accelerating the progress of fusion energy. Through collaboration with leading U.S. national laboratories and universities, this initiative is set to pave the way for the necessary materials and supply chains that will support the burgeoning field of commercial fusion energy. In addition to this project, MSS's effort dovetails with an initiative that the Clean Air Task Force launched in 2022, which proactively sought to address emerging challenges within the fusion energy supply chain.

MSS brings a wealth of expertise in lithium isotope enrichment, molten salt chemistry, and advanced material development. The company stands at the forefront of innovative solutions that support the transition to clean energy technologies, including both fission and fusion systems. Element 3 Energy complements this effort by specializing in the sourcing and supply of premium lithium tailored for fusion applications.

As MSS moves forward with this critical project, the implications extend beyond technical specifications; they represent a vital step toward realizing the potential of fusion energy. By establishing robust standards and supply chains, MSS aims to contribute significantly to an energy future characterized by sustainability and abundant clean power. This initiative not only addresses current industry needs but also sets the stage for a substantial transformation in how we think about and utilize energy in the decades to come.

For more information about Molten Salt Solutions and its groundbreaking work, interested parties can visit www.moltenaltsolutions.com.