Lightbridge Corporation has achieved a significant milestone in the development of advanced nuclear fuel technology . The company successfully co-extruded a demonstration coupon composed of a depleted uranium-zirconium alloy, with a nuclear-grade zirconium alloy cladding.
This process took place at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), marking a crucial step forward on the path to commercialization of its Lightbridge Fuel product.
A coextrusion process to improve reactors
Coextrusion of the alloy, performed in collaboration with INL operator Battelle Energy Alliance LLC (BEA), involves pressing a coated metal billet through a die to produce a cylindrical rod approximately 8 feet in length.
This process is key to the development of next-generation nuclear fuel, which promises to improve the safety and efficiency of light and heavy water reactors.
Dr. Scott Holcombe, Lightbridge’s vice president of engineering, noted that this advancement reinforces the company’s commitment to innovation in nuclear fuel manufacturing as it moves closer to commercializing this advanced fuel. In addition, the coextrusion process will facilitate analysis of fuel properties as well as future irradiation testing at INL’s Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).
Nuclear fuel for modular reactors
Lightbridge is also developing its fuel for small modular reactors (SMRs), with the aim of integrating renewable energy into the grid in a carbon-free manner. This step strengthens the company’s position in the field of clean nuclear energy, supported by an extensive patent portfolio and strategic collaborations with key institutions such as the INL.
This advancement is part of a broader program that seeks to generate critical data on fuel irradiation performance and facilitate regulatory approval for commercial implementation.
The alliance between Lightbridge and BEA remains instrumental in accelerating the development of this next-generation nuclear fuel , which promises to transform the nuclear industry with significant improvements in safety, performance and sustainability.
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Source and photo: Lightbridge Corporation
