Hybrid Manufacturing Method Developed for Reactor Components

New Approach for HIP Can Production

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have partnered with A.J. Tuck Company to create an innovative manufacturing method for hot isostatic pressing (HIP) cans. These specialized cans are integral to forming metal parts from powder materials, a process crucial for various industrial applications, including the production of nuclear reactor components.

The newly developed technique integrates two advanced manufacturing processes: 3D printing and electroforming. This hybrid approach aims to streamline the fabrication of HIP cans, which are essential for the hot isostatic pressing technique. By combining these methods, the collaboration seeks to enhance the efficiency and precision involved in creating these critical components.

Simplifying Critical Reactor Component Manufacturing

The primary objective of this research and development effort is to simplify the overall production process for critical reactor components. The use of HIP cans is a key step in manufacturing high-performance metal parts, and any advancements in their production can have a significant impact on the nuclear supply chain. This hybrid manufacturing method represents a step towards more efficient and potentially more cost-effective ways to produce these specialized containers.

The collaboration between a national laboratory and a private company highlights ongoing efforts within the nuclear industry to leverage advanced manufacturing technologies. Such partnerships are vital for developing and implementing innovations that can improve the quality, speed, and reliability of component manufacturing for nuclear applications.

TerraPower Expands Natrium Supply Chain with New Supplier Contracts

Supply Chain Expansion for Natrium Project

TerraPower has awarded contracts to multiple suppliers for components of its Natrium reactor technology. These agreements are part of TerraPower's strategy to build a resilient supply chain for the deployment of Natrium reactors. The selected suppliers include Merrick & Company (two contracts), Mirion Technologies Inc, BWXT Canada Ltd, Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc, Marmen Inc, Thermal Engineering International (USA) Inc, Jensen Hughes, Boston Government Services LLC, James Fisher Technologies LLC, KROHNE Nuclear, and Valserve.

These contracts are intended to support the construction of the first Natrium plant and the sodium test and fill facility, both located in Kemmerer, Wyoming. TerraPower initiated non-nuclear construction for the first Natrium plant in June 2024, with completion anticipated by 2030. This project is being developed under the US Department of Energy's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The Natrium reactor is a collaborative technology from TerraPower and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy.

Natrium Technology and Future Deployment

The Natrium technology incorporates a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor paired with a molten salt-based energy storage system. This storage capability allows the plant to temporarily increase its output to 500 MWe, facilitating load following and integration with intermittent renewable energy sources. TerraPower has already secured all long-lead items and the entire reactor enclosure system for the initial project.

Beyond the first plant, TerraPower has an agreement with Meta for the potential deployment of up to eight Natrium plants by 2035. The company emphasizes that securing supplier contracts is crucial for meeting project milestones and preparing the US manufacturing sector for the projected growth in advanced nuclear deployment. Pat Young, senior vice president and Natrium project director at TerraPower, stated that these contracts strengthen their network of qualified partners.

Last month, TerraPower also signed agreements with Hyundai Engineering & Construction (HDEC) and SK Innovation from South Korea. These agreements aim to develop and commercialize Natrium reactor technology across the USA, Korea, and other international markets. These collaborations followed a trilateral memorandum of understanding signed in May between HD Hyundai, TerraPower, and HDEC to cooperate on next-generation sodium reactor projects.

India Targets 100 GW Nuclear Power by 2047 Amidst Energy Mix Shift

India plans to achieve 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, according to Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority. This target is part of a national strategy to expand electricity's share in the country's overall energy mix from the current 22 percent to 45-50 percent by the same year. The energy mix encompasses fossil fuels, nuclear power, and renewables.

Prasad emphasized the importance of systemic innovation and supply chain resilience to support this growth. He highlighted the need to prevent disruptions in the supply of essential equipment, such as transformers, reactors, and advanced grid components. The country is undertaking significant transmission projects, valued at Rs 4 lakh crore (USD 40 billion), to evacuate 266 GW of power and plans for 600 GVA of transformation capacity.

The expansion of the power sector is crucial for meeting the increasing demands of industry, mobility, and digital infrastructure, and for supporting India's economic transformation and net-zero goals. India also aims to double its 2030 renewables target and achieve 100 GW of pumped hydro storage by 2035-36.