Industry Update—January 2025

Related to the VTT–ARPA-E collaboration, VTT and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have signed a memorandum of understanding on science and technology research cooperation that will focus on biotechnology, critical materials and green technologies, quantum computing, energy materials, and structural alloys and materials for fusion energy.

The DOE’s National Nuclear Security Administration has renewed the contract of General Atomics Energy Group for producing and delivering research components for the NNSA’s Stockpile Stewardship Program, which is designed to advance research in inertial confinement fusion at several national laboratories. The renewed contract covers an initial five-year term with an option for a five-year extension.

The U.S. Department of State has selected the Sargent & Lundy engineering design firm to provide technical and engineering support to the evaluation of potential sites in Ukraine for coal–to–small modular reactor conversions. The evaluation, which will include feasibility studies based on suitability and energy needs, is part of the State Department’s coal-to-SMR Project Phoenix. Sargent & Lundy, which is working within a consortium of U.S.-based firms, is performing similar studies in Slovakia and Slovenia.

NANO Nuclear Energy and LIS Technologies (LIST) have formed a collaboration designed to provide NANO Nuclear with uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) fuel for its two advanced, portable microreactors—ZEUS, a solid-core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure-coolant reactor. The collaboration, for which NANO invested $2 million in LIST’s $11.88 million seed round financing, is expected to enhance the United States’ domestic uranium enrichment and fuel fabrication capabilities. The companies will collaborate on advancing the development of LIST’s enrichment technology, which is based on the use of infrared wavelengths to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes and separate them from other isotopes. NANO Nuclear will develop supportive capabilities for LIST, including deconversion and fuel fabrication facilities, and LIST will provide NANO Nuclear with the fuel.

Terrestrial Energy has signed an MOU with U.K.-based petroleum company Viaro Energy to collaborate on the deployment of Terrestrial’s integral molten salt reactor (IMSR) technology for industrial applications, including the powering of artificial intelligence data centers. The companies agreed to form a joint venture for the delivery of an IMSR project in the United Kingdom. They intend to initially evaluate siting, regulatory, macroeconomic, and policy issues before cooperating on the identification, evaluation, and selection of potential sites. Viaro is focusing on providing the infrastructure and investment for IMSR deployment, while Terrestrial is leading the nuclear system development and procurement activities.

TerraPower and ASP Isotopes have signed a strategic agreement to expand global production of HALEU as the first part of a two-fold definitive agreement. TerraPower is to invest in construction of a HALEU enrichment facility for ASP Isotopes in South Africa, and TerraPower will then purchase all the HALEU from this facility. The second part of the definitive agreement is to cover the long-term supply of HALEU to TerraPower over a 10-year period after completion of the facility. The two-part definitive agreement is expected to be assigned to ASP Isotopes’ wholly owned subsidiary, Quantum Leap Energy.

Seaborg and TerraPower have signed MOUs with the governor of South Korea’s South Gyeong­sang Province to cooperate on the design and production of next-generation nuclear power plants, as well as on other research and development projects. TerraPower’s power plants are to be based on its 345-MWe Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor technology. Seaborg has developed compact molten salt reactor power barges, each equipped with two to eight 100-MWe reactors.

Laurentis Energy Partners, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, has signed an agreement with Poland’s Orlen Synthos Green Energy to help prepare the preliminary safety analysis report for deploying GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMR in Poland. The report will be a comprehensive analysis, as required by Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency, to demonstrate the safety of the planned construction of the BWRX-300. Laurentis is responsible for preparing the scope of work related to environmental conditions, terrain characteristics, facility operation, construction, commissioning, and future decommissioning. The report is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

General Fusion has announced that FortisBC has joined its Market Development Advisory Committee (MDAC). MDAC is providing General Fusion with input from potential adopters of its Lawson Machine 26 (LM26) fusion technology as the company progresses toward building a commercial-scale machine. General Fusion hopes to debut a first-of-its-kind fusion power plant by the 2030s.

Czech nuclear power plant operator CˇEZ Group has taken a 20 percent stake in Rolls-Royce SMR with the intention of deploying a fleet of SMRs in the country. The companies will cooperate on plans for deployment of the SMRs, with capacities of up to 3 GW, and seek to finalize contractual terms for the order of the first commercial unit. Early works for this unit are expected to begin by 2025.

Microreactor developer Naarea and engineering group Assystem have announced the creation of a joint laboratory to conduct research on emerging, advanced digital technologies and on the integration of these technologies into Naarea’s digital twin. Naarea has been developing the extra small modular reactor (XSMR), an ultra-compact molten salt fast neutron reactor that uses fuel from the existing reserves of industrial and mining waste without consuming new natural resources. According to the company, the XSMR will be marketed for such applications as transportation, agriculture, and smart buildings. Naarea expects the first XSMR units, generating 80 MWt/40 MWe, to be produced by 2030. Assystem is developing a digital twin of the XSMR consisting of digital tools that incorporate 3D models and advanced simulation capabilities.

Engineering company ABB has signed an MOU with SMR developer Blykalla to collaborate on the construction of an SMR pilot facility near Oskarshamn, Sweden, that will test proof of concept for future commercial power plants. According to the agreement, ABB will evaluate how its automation, electrification, and digitalization processes can support Blykalla’s electric lead-cooled SMR prototype SEALER-E. The evaluation will also consider cybersecurity frameworks to ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations. Blykalla, formerly LeadCold, has been developing the SEALER (Swedish advanced lead reactor) with fuel rods cooled by liquid lead. The company is planning a demonstration ­SEALER-­­D with an output of 80 MWt, followed in the early 2030s by its first 140-MWt SEALER-55 commercial reactor.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

Texas Nuclear Alliance gathers more founding members

NuScale Power and Paragon Energy Solutions have joined the Texas Nuclear Alliance (TNA) as founding members. TNA has been steadily expanding its membership since it was established in 2022 with the purpose of advancing the nuclear energy industry in Texas. TNA hosted the inaugural Texas Nuclear Summit in mid-November 2024 in Austin, Texas.

NuScale is currently the only SMR developer whose technology has received design approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The company hopes to deploy its NuScale Power Module pressurized water reactor before 2030. Paragon has been a provider of products and services to the nuclear industry for more than 30 years, including instrumentation and control, custom equipment, software tools, and qualification services.

AtkinsRéalis welcomed E.S. Fox Limited and Nu-Tech Precision Metals as new ambassadors in support of the Canadians for CANDU campaign. This campaign was launched in February 2024 to promote the deployment of CANDU nuclear technology in Canada and abroad in support of global efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

E.S. Fox Limited is a multitrade fabricator and constructor that has served the nuclear energy sector for more than 50 years. Nu-Tech Precision Metals is a manufacturer and supplier of zirconium fuel channel pressure tubes. The company has supplied every pressure tube for every CANDU reactor for the past 65 years.

The UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has unveiled a rebranding to “reflect the company’s transformation as a strategic national player for clean energy security, with plans to become a leading global nuclear energy company.” The new corporate identity, which is also meant to provide a cohesive and streamlined brand for ENEC’s investment, development, and generating operations, has resulted in the renaming of the company’s two joint venture subsidiaries. Nawah Energy Company is now called ENEC Operations, and Barakah One Company is now ENEC Commercial.

CONTRACTS

IAEA signs new agreement to help Europe reach net zero

The International Atomic Energy Agency and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a memorandum of understanding to broaden their collaboration and to help the countries in EBRD’s operation zone reach their net-zero goals. According to the new MOU, the IAEA and EBRD will coordinate their activities to support countries in the development of energy policy, energy strategy, governance and financing frameworks, and mechanisms for reaching net-zero goals. The partnership will also support nuclear and radiation safety and technical infrastructure throughout the life cycle of both electrical and nonelectrical applications of nuclear energy. The IAEA noted that partnering with financial institutions is essential for unlocking investments in nuclear energy and scaling up nuclear energy projects.

The DOE’s Office of Environmental Management has awarded the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) Phase 1B contract to the West Valley Cleanup Alliance (WVCA). WVCA is a limited liability company consisting of BWXT Technical Services Group, Jacobs Technology, and Geosyntec Consultants. Teaming subcontractors include Perma-Fix Environmental Services and North Wind Portage. WVDP is the site of the only commercial spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in the United States; it operated from 1963 to 1972. The work to be performed under the new indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract is to include demolition of remaining near- and below-grade components of the Main Plant Process Building; additional facility deactivation and demolition; contaminated soils remediation and disposition; waste management and legacy waste disposition; safeguards and security; environmental monitoring; surveillance and maintenance; and program support activities. The contract has a maximum value of $3 billion over a 10-year ordering period.

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has signed a letter of interest with Polskie Elektrownie Ja˛drowe, a special-purpose vehicle owned by Poland’s State Treasury, to provide more than $980 million in financing for Poland’s first nuclear power plant. That plant is to feature three Westinghouse AP1000 reactors at Poland’s Lubiatowo-­Kopalino nuclear power plant. Polish authorities hope to have the first AP1000 in commercial operation in 2033. The DFC, which works with the private sector to finance a range of projects in developing countries, lifted its legacy prohibition on funding overseas nuclear energy projects in July 2020.

Westinghouse Electric Company has signed an extension to its existing 2023 front-end engineering and design (FEED) contract with Bulgaria’s Kozloduy Nuclear Power Plant–Newbuilds for two new AP1000 reactors. Along with Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Westinghouse has also signed an engineering services contract with Kozloduy NPP–Newbuilds to “firm up” the schedule and finance details regarding the new capacity at the Bulgarian facility.

Romania’s EnergoNuclear, a subsidiary of SN Nuclearelectrica, has signed an engineering, procurement, and construction management contract with Sargent & Lundy for the initial design phase of Units 3 and 4 of the Cernavoda˘ nuclear power plant. In a collaboration with joint venture partners Fluor Corporation, AtkinsRéalis, and Ansaldo Nucleare, S&L will develop the initial licensing and engineering documents in support of the regulatory approval and financial investment decision to allow the design and construction of the two units to proceed. The new units are to be CANDU reactors, which Candu Energy, an AtkinsRéalis company, has a contract to build as part of the joint venture.

Amentum has signed a seven-­year contract to serve as a consultant for the dismantling of steam drum separators in Units 1 and 2 of Lithuania’s Ignalina nuclear power plant (INPP). This dismantling is a crucial step in the decommissioning of the power plant, which was Lithuania’s largest electricity generator before it was shut down in 2009. The contract, valued at €5.5 million (about $6 million), is being administered by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and is funded by grants from the European Commission. Amentum is helping INPP manage removal of the separators, while the INPP Project Management Unit is overseeing the design and safety justification for the dismantling and fragmentation of the drums and associated equipment. Amentum will also be available to support further stages of decommissioning at INPP.

Representatives from Atomic Energy of Canada and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories have signed MOUs with Jamaica to advance the adoption of nuclear technologies in the island nation. Atomic Energy of Canada and CNL intend use seminars, meetings, and other means to help Jamaica build its nuclear expertise, knowledge, skills, and best practices, with a special focus on innovation in research, development, and practical applications.

Framatome has signed a long-term contract to supply fuel for the four operating VVER-440 reactors at Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, beginning in 2027. The new supplier contract is derived from an MOU that Framatome and the Hungarian Ministry of Energy signed in 2023 to develop a strategic relationship for nuclear energy. The four Paks reactors are among 19 Soviet/Russian-designed VVER reactors that are operating in the European Union.

The government of Poland has reached two international agreements to boost its plans for large-scale development of its nuclear energy sector, including the construction of six large pressurized water reactors, with a combined installed capacity of 6 to 9 GWe, by 2040. Poland’s Ministry of Industry signed an MOU with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry to promote Polish-Japanese nuclear cooperation, specifically with the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum International Cooperation Centre (JICC). JICC supports the development of nuclear competencies through the exchange of information, expert missions, workshops, conferences, and seminars.

Poland’s National Atomic Energy Agency signed a cooperation agreement with the Netherlands’ Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection. This agreement envisions the potential exchange of information on best practices regarding regulation of nuclear energy. The agreement addresses the organization of technical meetings, training, and exchange of documentation for regulatory activities related to the licensing of new nuclear technologies.

The CˇEZ Group has extended its relationship with the Urenco Group by signing an agreement covering the supply of enriched uranium fuel for the Czech Republic’s Dukovany and Temelin nuclear power plants. CˇEZ also has a uranium enrichment agreement with Orano. In addition to operating the four existing reactors at Dukovany and two at Temelin, CˇEZ has plans with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for construction of as many as four new reactors at these facilities, as well as plans with Rolls-Royce SMR for modular reactors.

Russia’s TVEL, the nuclear fuel cycle company that is part of Rosatom, and South Africa’s AllWeld Nuclear and Industrial have signed a memorandum of cooperation on decommissioning and radioactive waste management. The agreement covers the development of storage and disposal infrastructure for radioactive waste management in South Africa, including the design and creation of equipment.

The national atomic companies of Kazakhstan and Mongolia—Kazatomprom and MonAtom, respectively—have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership to provide new opportunities for the uranium industries in both countries. The agreement focuses on the potential future implementation of joint projects in uranium exploration and mining in Mongolia while strengthening the positions of Kazatomprom and MonAtom in the international uranium market.

NEW PRODUCTS

Machine learning inspection technology developed at Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a “deep-learning framework” algorithm to produce faster, more accurate scans of 3D-printed metal parts using machine learning to rapidly reconstruct and analyze the images. The algorithm can reduce the time needed to inspect 3D-printed parts for nuclear applications by 85 percent, leading to faster, safer inspections of irradiated materials and nuclear fuel, as well as quicker development and deployment of new nuclear technology. As applied by researchers at Idaho National Laboratory, the algorithm allowed for the analysis of more than 30 3D-printed sample parts in less than five hours. By contrast, the traditional analytical method would have required more than 30 hours per scan.