Utah to host NuCube test reactor
US innovative microreactor developer NuCube Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab to collaborate on the siting of a test reactor at the laboratory.
Idaho Falls-based NuCube and Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL) said they have already begun discussions about community outreach and engagement regarding siting the test reactor in Orangeville, Utah.
NuCube said its technology is capable of producing the highest-temperature heat from a fission reactor that can be easily integrated with chemical processes and energy conversion technologies. The reactor design utilises tri-structural isotropic - or TRISO - fuel and heat pipe technology, among other innovations, that are designed to minimise the use of moving parts within the reactor, thereby enhancing safety and reliability. The microreactors are housed in a stainless-steel compartment that increases safety and streamlines permitting.
Testing of NuCube's microreactors at USREL will be the next step in the technology's development, it said.
NuCube's reactor can produce electricity via high temperature heat greater than 1000 degrees Celsius. "It is the only reactor that can compete with natural gas for high temperature industrial customers," the company said. "The technology can deliver cost competitive electricity and can also be operated independently from existing power grids, which could be transformative for rural areas in states such as Utah."
"Utah has an enormous amount of momentum as it explores how best to leverage nuclear energy to meet the needs of its residents and businesses," said NuCube Energy cofounder and CEO Cristian Rabiti. "NuCube's innovative reactor is ideal for Utah and we're looking forward to bringing the highest temperature application for nuclear energy to the state for the first time. We are especially excited to be working with USREL given its proven track record of demonstrating advanced power generation technologies including a supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle."
In 2023, management of USREL was transferred to the Utah Office of Energy Development (OED). The lab says it is working with partners to develop promising advanced nuclear energy technology concepts. It says it has world-class capabilities to manufacture and characterise molten salts as a nuclear fuel carrier.
OED is Utah's primary office for energy and mineral development. The office is charged with developing and implementing energy policy and resources, creating energy-related educational and workforce development programs and promoting energy efficiency and infrastructure.
"The USREL has the space and equipment necessary to host projects like NuCube Energy's test reactor," said OED Director Emy Lesofski. "The lab will be a site for a variety of research projects that focus on keeping our energy clean, affordable, reliable and sustainable. The research at USREL will play a critical role in bringing promising technologies to market safely and quickly so the state can continue to increase its reliable and clean energy supply, while also working with local community members. We're particularly excited about NuCube's technology because of the opportunities around research it will afford."
Last month, Utah Governor Spencer Cox announced that it has agreed with California-based Valar Atomics to site a test SMR at USREL. He said the test reactor is anticipated being operational within one year.
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