United States selects initial corporation for advancement of future nuclearenergy, lessening dependency on Russia for fuel supply
The United States is taking a significant step towards reducing its reliance on Russia for uranium and enhancing its own nuclear fuel fabrication facilities. This initiative, part of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, is a key component of President Donald Trump's executive order 'Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactors for National Security.'
At the heart of this project is TRISO fuel, a type of nuclear fuel renowned for its structural resilience. Compared to traditional reactor fuel, TRISO is more resilient to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and high temperatures, delivering a better performance.
TRISO particles are incredibly tiny, almost the size of a small seed, and each acts as its own containment system. This self-containment feature allows it to retain fission products under all reactor conditions, enhancing safety and durability.
Key comparisons reveal that TRISO fuel's ceramic and carbon layers provide excellent resistance to neutron damage, maintaining structural integrity under intense irradiation. Unlike traditional fuels, which can degrade more rapidly under neutron bombardment, TRISO fuel exhibits remarkable resistance.
In terms of corrosion and oxidation, the outer protective layers in TRISO fuel resist these elements much better than the metal cladding used in traditional fuels. This increases fuel lifespan and safety by preventing the release of fission products.
TRISO fuel can withstand temperatures roughly four times higher than conventional uranium oxide fuel before failing. Its ceramic-based encapsulation virtually eliminates the risk of melting, enabling operation at elevated temperatures that improve thermal efficiency and reactor performance.
The inherent safety of TRISO fuel is another significant advantage. Each particle acts as a self-contained micro-reactor with its own containment, reducing the chance of radioactive release even if the outer reactor structure is damaged.
This groundbreaking fuel enables advanced reactor designs, such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and Gen-IV reactors, to operate more safely and efficiently. It extends fuel life and reduces accident risk compared to traditional fuel rods.
Reactor project developers will manage the sourcing of nuclear material feedstock for fuel fabrication, which could be acquired through DOE's high-assay low-enriched uranium allocation program. The DOE's partnership with Standard Nuclear aims to assure stronger US nuclear supply lines for advanced nuclear reactors.
Standard Nuclear, based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, will leverage the Department's authorization process to ensure a robust supply of nuclear fuel in both Tennessee and Idaho. The facility can produce additively manufactured fuel for Generation IV (Gen−IV) reactors.
BWX Technologies has already completed a new Uranium Nitride TRISO fuel production line at its Technology Centre in Lynchburg. Standard Nuclear's conditional selection makes it the first pilot project in the US under the new program.
This initiative is aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains for nuclear and opening the door for private sector investment in America's nuclear renaissance. The program also supports DOE's new reactor pilot program that aims to have at least three advanced reactor designs achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
- The United States' nuclear industry stands to benefit significantly from the development and implementation of TRISO fuel, as it offers superior resistance to neutron damage, corrosion, and oxidation compared to traditional fuels.
- With its ability to operate at elevated temperatures that improve thermal efficiency and reactor performance, while also exhibiting remarkable resistance to degradation, TRISO fuel is essential for the realization of advanced reactor designs such as high-temperature gas-cooled reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).
- The collaboration between the Department of Energy, Standard Nuclear, and private sector companies like BWX Technologies is crucial for strengthening domestic supply chains for nuclear fuel, encouraging private sector investment in the US nuclear renaissance, and supporting the development of at least three advanced reactor designs by July 4, 2026.
