ABS and DOE Partner to Advance Commercial Nuclear Technology in Maritime Sector

Marine classification society ABS and the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the use of commercial nuclear technology at sea. This collaboration will focus on nuclear energy systems for floating platforms, nuclear-powered vessels, and the necessary port facilities, shipyards, and industrial infrastructure for their construction and support.

Key priorities under the MOU include evaluating the feasibility of floating nuclear energy concepts and establishing nuclear transportation corridors. The agreement also aims to bolster the US shipbuilding sector's capacity to construct and operate nuclear-powered assets. John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO, stated that the maritime industry must prepare for advanced nuclear technology as it transitions from concept to application. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish noted that advanced nuclear technology could transform the commercial maritime industry and create new markets for American innovation. He added that the partnership would explore how decades of experience can be leveraged to safely introduce next-generation nuclear technologies to the maritime sector.

Recent Initiatives in Maritime SMRs

This MOU follows several federal initiatives concerning commercial maritime small modular reactors (SMRs). In May, the US Maritime Administration (Marad) launched an initiative to develop small SMRs for commercial shipping. Subsequently, in June, the Port of Long Beach agreed to establish a site for trials of nuclear-powered vessels as part of this initiative. In August, Marad and the Port of Corpus Christi signed a separate agreement to investigate SMR integration, port microgrids, shoreside power, and workforce development.

The global shipping industry currently relies on fossil fuels for nearly 99% of its energy consumption. However, the International Maritime Organization has set a target for its greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero by approximately 2050.

DOE Funds Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment, ASP Isotopes Plans Uranium Enrichment Plant

Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment Receives Funding

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved cost-shared funding for the final stage of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE) through its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. This funding supports work by Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory, and CORE POWER to advance molten salt reactor technology.

The MCRE aims to be the first fast-spectrum molten chloride salt reactor experiment to achieve criticality. It is expected to provide data on fuel behavior, reactor operation, and performance, which will inform future reactor design, licensing, and commercial deployment. The project seeks to reduce technical risks and expand understanding of fast-spectrum molten salt systems, potentially accelerating innovation for various reactor developers.

Fast-spectrum molten salt reactors could extend beyond electricity generation to power industrial processes, produce medical isotopes, enable maritime propulsion, and extract value from used nuclear fuel. Future designs could utilize actinides from spent nuclear fuels to generate more energy and reduce nuclear waste volume and longevity. Some configurations may also support fuel breeding and medical isotope production. The MCRE itself will not use spent fuel, demonstrate a closed fuel cycle, or test a marine reactor.

ASP Isotopes and Necsa Plan Uranium Enrichment Facility

South Africa’s Necsa and a subsidiary of ASP Isotopes have signed a binding framework for a nuclear fuel venture. The venture, Quantum Leap Energy, would be approximately 80% owned by Quantum Leap Energy and 20% by Necsa. The proposed Pelindaba facility in South Africa would produce enriched uranium for advanced reactors, with TerraPower identified as a future buyer.

Supply agreements between TerraPower and ASP Isotopes are in place for the fuel the venture expects to produce. Quantum Leap Energy would manage operations and capital, while Necsa would provide site access, nuclear safeguards, and regulatory support. The project's cost, production capacity, and commissioning date have not been disclosed. ASP Isotopes noted that its enrichment technologies have not yet been applied to uranium-235, and the project requires further testing, financing, and regulatory approvals.

India's Peak Power Demand Exceeds 250 GW in September

Peak domestic power demand in India has remained above 250 GW for most of September, approaching summer demand levels. On October 5, the peak power demand reached 260 GW. This demand is attributed to cooling and irrigation requirements, exacerbated by below-normal monsoon rainfall.

India's power sector planner indicated a need for additional baseload capacity from conventional sources, such as thermal power plants, to meet the high demand, alongside renewable energy sources. Power consumption in September increased by approximately 11%.

Coal Stock Levels

Coal stocks at power plants, which had decreased due to heavy rains affecting production and supply in coal-bearing regions, are currently around 18 million tonnes. Specifically, domestic coal-based power plants held 17.9 million tonnes as of October 15, a decrease from 18.5 million tonnes on October 1. Plants utilizing imported coal have an inventory of 2.4 million tonnes.

Out of 190 coal-based power plants in the country, 82 are experiencing critical fuel levels, meaning their coal stock is less than a quarter of the target quantity required for uninterrupted electricity generation.