Framatome and TerraPower achieve breakthrough in uranium metallization for advanced reactor fuel commercialization
Framatome and TerraPower have achieved a key milestone in uranium metallization for advanced reactor fuel commercialization, producing successful elements of uranium metal. These metallic uranium 'pucks' represent a critical component in advancing the fuel supply chain for TerraPower's Natrium® reactor. The metallization fabrication line was completed at Framatome's Richland, Washington, nuclear fuel manufacturing facility.
The process, technologies, and expertise used to produce metal from depleted uranium can be used with uranium at the higher enrichment levels required to power TerraPower's advanced reactor design. Production of HALEU metal is a crucial part of the fuel fabrication process which allows uranium to transform into a metallic feedstock that is used to fabricate fuel for advanced reactors.
“This milestone underscores the critical progress being made in developing a reliable advanced reactor fuel supply chain and in propelling TerraPower's Natrium technology,” said Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President, Fuel Business Unit at Framatome. “Through this strategic collaboration, we are delivering the next generation of nuclear technology that will define the future of clean energy.”
“TerraPower has been committed to supporting the development of a robust, domestic HALEU fuel supply chain. The successful production of these metallic uranium pucks proves that we can manufacture the metallization component of HALEU fuel here in Washington and support our plans to rapidly deploy Natrium plants across the United States,” said TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque.
Successful completion and operation of the metallization fabrication line demonstrates Framatome's readiness to accept DOE funding as part of the HALEU Availability Program Solicitation and deploy in a Category II facility.
TerraPower is currently developing an advanced nuclear power plant that will provide both 24/7 carbon-free energy, coupled with an innovative energy storage capability. The Natrium technology features a 345 MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor with a molten salt-based energy storage system. The storage technology can boost the system's output to 500 MW of power when needed as it is designed to keep base output steady, ensuring constant reliability, and can quickly ramp up when demand peaks —the only advanced reactor design with this capability. TerraPower broke ground on the first Natrium project in 2024 in Wyoming and is positioned to be America's next commercial-scale nuclear power plant.
About TerraPower
TerraPower is a leading nuclear innovation company that strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science. Since it was founded by Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries, TerraPower has emerged as an incubator and developer of ideas and technologies that offer energy independence, environmental sustainability, medical advancement and other cutting-edge opportunities. It accepts and tackles some of the world’s most difficult challenges. Behind each of its innovations and programs, TerraPower actively works to bring together the strengths and experiences of the world’s public and private sectors to answer pressing global needs. Learn more at terrapower.com.
About Framatome
Framatome is an international leader in nuclear energy recognized for its innovative, digital and value-added solutions for the global nuclear fleet. With worldwide expertise and a proven track record for reliability and performance, the company designs, services and installs components, fuel, and instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants. Its more than 20,000 employees work every day to help Framatome’s customers supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical low-carbon energy. Framatome is owned by the EDF Group (80.5%) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI – 19.5%).
Media Contacts
press@terrapower.com
1 The Natrium reactor is a TerraPower and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy technology.