US-based Curio, which focuses on advanced nuclear recycling technology, and NANO Nuclear Energy, a developer of advanced microreactor designs, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Letter of Agreement to collaborate on optimising nuclear fuel recycling for Nano’s microreactors.

The alliance combines Curio’s expertise in nuclear waste recycling with NANO Nuclear’s microreactor designs aiming for a powerful synergy in the nuclear energy sector.

Key points of the agreement include:

  • NANO Nuclear will share detailed characteristics of their advanced fuel designs with Curio.
  • Curio will analyse these fuels to determine optimal recycling methods using the NuCycle process.
  • Both companies will work together to enhance the recyclability of NANO’s next-generation nuclear fuels.
  • The partnership will explore ways to integrate recycled fuel into NANO Nuclear’s micro reactor designs.

“At NANO Nuclear, we’re not just developing reactors; we’re reimagining the future of energy,” said James Walker, CEO & Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear. “Our advanced portable nuclear microreactors represent a paradigm shift in how we think about nuclear power – making it more accessible, adaptable, and aligned with the world’s evolving energy needs. By partnering with Curio, we’re taking our vision a step further. We’re ensuring that our advanced fuel designs are not only innovative but also optimised for recycling, creating a truly sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.”

Edward McGinnis, CEO of Curio, stated: “This partnership with NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. exemplifies our commitment to working across the entire spectrum of the nuclear industry. NANO Nuclear’s innovative approach to reactor design aligns perfectly with our vision for a sustainable nuclear future. Together, we’re not just solving today’s challenges; we’re creating tomorrow’s solutions.…By focusing on the development of advanced portable microreactors, NANO Nuclear is not only addressing current energy needs but also paving the way for a more resilient and adaptable energy infrastructure.”

Curio is specialising in advanced nuclear recycling solutions. With its NuCycle process, Curio is dedicated to closing the nuclear fuel cycle, dramatically reducing nuclear waste, and unleashing the full potential of nuclear energy for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

NANO Nuclear is seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across four business lines: (i) portable microreactor technology, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation and (iv) nuclear industry consulting services.

NANO subsidiary, Advanced Fuel Transportation, aims to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and US Department of Energy programmes.

NANO subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel focuses on the future development of a domestic source for a HALEU fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO’s microreactors and the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.