NRG graphite irradiation program produces data in support of operation for Molten Salt Reactor

Petten, October 9th 2019 - Terrestrial Energy and NRG have established a graphite irradiation program that systematically analyzes IMSR graphite behavior as part of Terrestrial Energy’s comprehensive test program supporting the design of Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) and is being conducted at NRG’s facilities in the Netherlands. Graphite is a key component of Terrestrial Energy’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) power plant, and this program provides data to Terrestrial Energy that demonstrates to nuclear quality standards the structural changes of IMSR® graphite under the irradiation conditions experienced during 7-year life of IMSR Core-unit. Terrestrial Energy and NRG presented their graphite irradiation program at the 20th International Nuclear Graphite Specialist Meeting in Brugge.

NRG is a world leader in nuclear technological research, with the solid material irradiation and examination expertise, which manifested itself in successful completion of the graphite irradiation program for the United Kingdom’s AGR nuclear power plants.  Currently NRG is providing expert technical services to support Terrestrial Energy for “in-core” materials testing and the development of its Generation IV IMSR® power plant. NRG’s services include technical advice on test design and preparation, high-flux irradiation of test graphite specimens, and in-process and post-irradiation examinations and evaluations of the test materials. 
“NRG has been supporting the nuclear power industry since 1955 and has extensive experience of the requirements for successful nuclear technology development and specially for graphite,” said Vinod Ramnandanlal, Commercial Director of NRG. “Innovative Generation IV reactors have truly transformative potential and Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR® is a leading design. We are excited to be working on this program.” 

“NRG has a world-class testing capability at its High-Flux Reactor facility at Petten. With the benefit of the high-flux facility and NRG’s clear expertise, IMSR development is benefitting from time-efficient materials testing and qualification required for our IMSR engineering and regulatory activities,” said Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy. “We look forward to completing our testing programs for in-core materials qualification.”

In addition to advancing the IMSR’s materials testing program, the agreement between Terrestrial Energy and NRG reinforces Terrestrial Energy’s strong partnership with the European Union’s scientific community.  In March 2018, Terrestrial Energy signed a technical services agreement with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Karlsruhe, Germany. This agreement focused on confirmatory studies of IMSR fuel and primary coolant salts, which have been completed. Both collaborations advance the engineering and regulatory programs for IMSR power plant development.

More about NRG
NRG is an internationally operating nuclear service provider. It conducts nuclear technological research, is a consultant for the safety and reliability of nuclear plants and provides services in the field of radiation protection. NRG also conducts research for governments aimed at developing knowledge about nuclear technology. NRG operates the High Flux Reactor owned by the European Union. The production of medical isotopes is the primary activity of the reactor in Petten, which is managed by NRG. NRG is a global market leader in the production of medical isotopes. It strives for the development of new applications of medical isotopes used to treat life-threatening diseases. NRG performs this ambition in collaboration with University Medical Centers and radiopharmaceutical companies. All of NRG’s almost 600 employees possess expert knowledge and work in a highly innovative way. The company works for and with partners in the health sector, the energy market, the industrial sector, government and the science sector.

About Terrestrial Energy
Terrestrial Energy is a developer of Generation-IV advanced nuclear power plants that use its proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. IMSR technology represents true innovation in cost reduction, versatility and functionality of nuclear power plants. IMSR power plants will provide zero-carbon, reliable, dispatchable, cost-competitive electric power and high-grade industrial heat for use in many industrial applications, such as chemical synthesis and desalination, and in so doing extend the application of nuclear energy far beyond electric power markets. They have the potential to make important contributions to industrial competitiveness, energy security, and economic growth. Their deployment will support rapid global decarbonization of the primary energy system by displacing fossil fuel combustion across a broad spectrum. Using an innovative design, and proven and demonstrated molten salt reactor technology, Terrestrial Energy is engaged with regulators and industrial partners to complete IMSR engineering and to commission first IMSR power plants in the late 2020s.