Kairos Power Implements Automated Fuel Pebble Inspection System

Kairos Power has implemented an automated system for quality control and tracking of its TRISO fuel pebbles. This system is intended to streamline throughput, improve material accountability, and generate data for future pebble manufacturing and handling processes. The company's fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) technology utilizes molten fluoride salt coolant and TRISO fuel pebbles.

The company is optimizing pebble production at its Manufacturing Development Campus, where it manufactures solid graphite moderator pebbles and annular surrogate fuel pebbles. The automated system conducts comprehensive quality checks before pebbles are packaged for transport or loaded into testing platforms. Each pebble undergoes real-time measurement for diameter, physical geometry, and density to ensure adherence to manufacturing specifications. High-precision lasers scan the exterior surface at a micron level to verify structural integrity.

Data Tracking and Future Applications

Following inspection, each pebble moves to an infrared laser engraving station where three unique data matrix codes are etched onto its graphite surface. These codes link each pebble to an individualized record containing its exact dimensions, density measurements, batch information, and inspection status. This data integrates with downstream handling systems, assisting engineers in tracking pebbles throughout testing and operation.

Kairos Power anticipates that these markings will facilitate the identification of different pebble types, provide more accurate fuel-consumption measurements, and enable material accountability during operations. The company employs an iterative development approach, continuously learning from each iteration to validate both nuclear and non-nuclear systems. This process involves three non-nuclear engineering test units (ETUs), the Hermes 1 non-power-generating demonstration unit, and the Hermes 2 power-producing unit, aiming to accelerate commercialization.

By developing in-house automated inspection infrastructure, Kairos Power can refine manufacturing processes based on each production campaign and establish foundational capabilities for commercial-scale fuel production. The automated system is currently processing pebbles for upcoming hardware demonstrations, with a near-term goal of 70,000 inspected pebbles for testing platforms, including the company's second ETU. This capability will also support the future deployment of the Hermes 2 plant, for which ground was broken in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in April.

Bluecore Energy Acquires Enriched Uranium for Maritime Nuclear Systems

Bluecore Energy, a developer of maritime nuclear energy systems, has announced the acquisition of uranium hexafluoride. The uranium is enriched to 4.95% uranium-235 and is currently held at a US nuclear fuel facility. The company did not disclose the quantity of uranium involved.

This acquisition is part of Bluecore Energy's strategy to advance its maritime nuclear reactor module prototype. The company is conducting research and development on a non-fueled prototype and aims to develop systems for deployment on floating maritime platforms. These platforms are designed to offer operational flexibility, unlike traditional land-based nuclear power plants.

Bluecore Energy's initial 10 MWe system is projected to power approximately 15,000 homes. These reactors are designed for multi-year operation on a single fueling and can be paired to scale power output. Potential applications include providing energy for ports, utilities, data centers, offshore infrastructure, and communities with energy needs.

The company recently secured USD50 million in seed financing. Bluecore Energy is also engaged in pre-application discussions with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the US Coast Guard. In June, the American Bureau of Shipping granted Approval in Principle for Bluecore Energy's floating nuclear power plant design, making it the first US-designed floating nuclear power plant to receive such approval.

Kofi Asante, founder and CEO of Bluecore Energy, stated that the company is simultaneously addressing fuel, testing, engineering, safety, regulation, and maritime classification. He emphasized that securing enriched uranium is a tangible step beyond reactor design and hardware development, moving towards the physical fuel infrastructure required for future fueled testing.

Per Jander, a director on WMC's nuclear fuel team, commented on the importance of establishing a reliable nuclear fuel supply for reactor programs. WMC, an intermediary in the global nuclear fuel market, is supporting Bluecore Energy in this endeavor.

Tata Power Develops 2.8 GW Data Center Pipeline

Tata Power has established a data center opportunity pipeline exceeding 2.8 GW, encompassing 18 domestic and international operators. This initiative aims to meet the growing electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

The pipeline includes 430 MW of upcoming load within its distribution network, 1,236 MW of transmission-linked opportunities, and 1,150 MW of green energy capacity under active engagement. Tata Power is engaged in 29 active workstreams covering renewable energy and transmission and distribution (T&D).

Infrastructure Upgrades and Expansion

Beyond electricity supply, Tata Power plans to provide integrated infrastructure for data centers, including grid connectivity, renewable power, energy storage, cooling systems, and utility infrastructure. The Ministry of Power projects that AI-led data centers could add approximately 26.3 GW to India's power demand by FY32.

Tata Power is upgrading its 110 kV and 220 kV transmission networks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to support the power requirements of hyperscale data centers. These upgrades are part of the company's 150 billion rupee Mumbai Grid Upgradation and Expansion Plan, which aims to enhance power supply reliability for large digital infrastructure projects.