Ampera and LLNL Collaborate on TRISO Fuel Development for Advanced Microreactors

TRISO Fuel Development Collaboration

Ampera and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have initiated a collaboration focused on developing tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel. The project, named Thorium Unimodal Droplet Ejection for Reactors (Thunder), aims to evaluate and optimize liquid-metal-jetting technology. This technology is intended to produce highly uniform, spherical thorium-232 kernels, which are a key component of TRISO fuel.

The Thunder project builds upon LLNL's prior research, known as PowderJet, which involved the development of a particle production prototype utilizing droplet-based liquid-metal-jetting. The current work encompasses computational modeling, materials and nozzle compatibility testing, high-temperature process development, particle characterization, and safe radiological handling. A primary objective is to transfer scalable process and design rules to support future commercialization efforts.

Strategic Goals and Supply Chain Integration

The collaboration seeks to enable resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable manufacturing of advanced TRISO fuel. This initiative aligns with Ampera's broader strategy to establish a scalable and secure domestic advanced nuclear fuel supply chain. Ampera's founder and CEO, Brian Matthews, stated that developing a scalable domestic capability for advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing is fundamental to the company's strategy. He noted that this partnership could accelerate the technical foundation needed to vertically integrate fuel supply, reduce costs, mitigate supply-chain risks, and support the deployment of their compact subcritical nuclear energy systems.

Viktor Sukhotskiy, LLNL Research Engineer and Principal Investigator, highlighted the value of connecting LLNL's research capabilities with industry partners. He emphasized that working with Ampera provides an opportunity to apply joint expertise to a complex nuclear fuel challenge while maturing liquid metal jetting as an advanced manufacturing technology. Sukhotskiy also noted that Project Thunder demonstrates how early LLNL investments in manufacturing and materials science can lead to external partnerships in strategically important technology areas.

Ampera's Microreactor Technology and Fuel Strategy

Ampera is developing subcritical thorium-based microreactor systems designed for high energy density and capable of operating for up to 30 years without refueling. These systems utilize a proprietary TRISO fuel platform, neutron-source technology, and advanced additive manufacturing to deliver scalable, factory-built, and rapidly deployable emission-free power. Target applications include data centers, defense, industrial, and maritime sectors. Unlike conventional reactors, Ampera's subcritical systems rely on an external neutron source for operation, which provides an additional layer of operational control and enables innovative fuel-cycle approaches.

In June, Ampera announced plans to fuel its energy systems with thorium procured from Australia, which the company intends to produce in-house as part of its vertical integration strategy for the entire fuel value chain. Earlier in February, Ampera established Ampera Australia Pty Ltd to facilitate the procurement and import of thorium to the USA. This followed a framework agreement between the USA and Australia in October 2025 for securing critical minerals and rare earths supply. Ampera has also indicated plans to produce TRISO thorium kernels at a facility in Florida, where its global headquarters are located.

India Pursues Global Partnerships for Investment, Technology, and Manufacturing

India is intensifying its global outreach to secure investments, expand manufacturing, and gain access to essential technologies and critical inputs. Recent high-level visits by Indian ministers to Japan, Canada, Russia, and China underscore these strategic priorities.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal's visit to Japan focused on trade, investment, and manufacturing partnerships. Discussions included semiconductors, components, and joint ventures in pharmaceuticals and shipbuilding. India aims to simplify approval processes for high-technology manufacturers, including those in semiconductor and auto-component production.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's engagements in Canada centered on attracting investment and fostering financial-sector cooperation. Meanwhile, discussions with Russia highlighted energy security and efforts to address a widening trade imbalance. With China, talks encompassed investment alongside ongoing boundary dispute discussions. These coordinated efforts aim to bolster India's economic growth and technological advancement.

Saudi Arabia Advances Battery Energy Storage with Over $1.16 Billion in Project Awards

Major BESS Projects Awarded in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), the primary electricity buyer for Saudi Arabia, has executed four storage service agreements for the initial phase of battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects. These agreements signify a combined investment exceeding USD1.16 billion.

The four awarded projects are designed to collectively provide 2,000 MW/8,000 MWh of storage capacity. Each facility will be capable of storing electricity for a duration of four hours.

Consortia Secure Key Contracts

Three of the four projects, each with a capacity of 500 MW/2,000 MWh, have been awarded to a consortium. This consortium includes Saudi Energy, ACWA Power, and Al Sharif Contracting and Commercial Development Company. These projects are the Al Muwyah BESS independent storage provider (ISP) and Haden BESS ISP projects, both located in the Makkah Region, and the Al Kahafa BESS ISP project in the Hail Region.

The fourth project, the 500 MW/2,000 MWh Al Khushaybi BESS ISP project in the Qassim Region, has been awarded to a separate consortium. This group comprises ENGIE and Haji Abdullah Alireza & Company Limited.