US-based Terrestrial Energy, developer of the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR), and EnergySolutions, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the siting and deployment of IMSR plants at EnergySolutions-owned sites.
The IMSR design is for a 442 MWt per Core-unit (IMSR400) small modular molten salt fuelled, graphite moderated, thermal spectrum reactor. Terrestrial Energy has developed a two-unit configuration which can deliver 884 MWt/390 MWe. The design features a completely sealed reactor vessel with integrated pumps, heat exchangers and shutdown rods all mounted inside a single vessel.
The sealed Core-unit is replaced completely at the end of its useful service life (nominally seven years). This allows factory production levels of quality control and economy, while avoiding any need to open and service the reactor vessel at the power plant site. The IMSR400 does not depend on operator intervention, powered mechanical components, coolant injection or their support systems such as electricity supply or instrument air in dealing with upset conditions. It operates at the high temperature required for broad industrial relevance and is designed to use standard assay low enriched uranium fuel.
EnergySolutions is a market-leading supplier of nuclear decommissioning and decontamination, waste processing, and disposal services in the US and Canada. In June 2023, EnergySolutions announced a study of former nuclear sites acquired by the company to determine potential locations for new nuclear generation. Under the terms of this MOU, the parties have agreed to evaluate these sites and select the most suitable.
“This year we have observed a rapid increase in anticipated demand growth for clean, firm heat and power driven by significant load-growth from key sectors, such as data centres supporting AI operations, and industrials seeking distributed clean energy solutions to achieve their strategic goals,” said Kenneth Robuck, CEO of EnergySolutions. “Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR plant is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand at a time when small and modular nuclear power plants, leveraging advanced reactor technologies, are now in the spotlight as high-performance and transformative supply solutions.”
Terrestrial Energy CEO noted that EnergySolutions has a portfolio of sites and deep expertise to support the regulatory actions necessary for site selection and deployment of IMSR plants. “We look forward to collaborating with EnergySolutions on siting activities and with other project consortium parties, including those interested in offtake agreements for clean, firm power and heat at gigawatt-scale, as well as project partnerships with state and federal governments.”
