French nuclear start-up Hexana has formed a strategic partnership with Belgian engineering firm Tractebel (part of France’s Engie) to support development of its sodium-cooled fast neutron reactor energy platform. Hexana was spun out the Alternative Energies & Atomic Energy Commission (CEA – Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux énergies Alternatives) in March 2023.
According to CEA, Hexana is looking to design a fast neutron and sodium heat transfer reactor type, incorporating a high temperature storage device. This installation comprises two small 400 MWt reactor units supplying a heat storage device. It will be able to cater for the variations in electrical power required by manufacturers. An adjoining conversion system will allow it to generate electricity if necessary and flexibly to compete with gas power plants. It will also be able to directly supply heat to energy-consuming industries nearby. This will enable those industries to capture CO2, as well as to produce steam, hydrogen and synthetic fuels.
Tractebel will now define the conceptual design for the civil engineering and utilities of the nuclear island buildings and the special nuclear handling systems for the maintenance of large components. These studies will be incorporated into the Safety Option File that Hexana will submit to France’s Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority for licensing.
Under the agreement Tractebel will support Hexana in three key areas:
- Conceptual design of building systems and utilities for the nuclear island;
- Specialised component handling and maintenance;
“This initial contract constitutes an important step, laying the foundations for an expanded scope during the conceptual design phase,” Hexana said.
