Terrestrial Energy and Orano Successfully Assess IMSR Fuel Packaging and Transportation, The Canadian Business Journal

BETHESDA, Md. and OAKVILLE, Ontario, Nov. 1, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Terrestrial Energy has teamed up with global company Orano to package and transport Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) nuclear fuel. Completed regulatory assessment for transportation. A leader in the nuclear fuel cycle.

This work demonstrates that the nuclear fuel packages currently used by Orano to serve the nuclear industry are suitable for transporting and supplying IMSR fuel. The scope of the assessment covered compliant packaging and transportation in Canada, the US, UK and selected EU countries. This result avoids the costly and time-consuming process of developing, licensing and manufacturing new nuclear fuel packages, with significant commercial implications for early deployment of IMSR plants in major markets.

The packaging and transportation of nuclear reactor fuel is subject to stringent regulatory requirements to ensure safety and protect property and the environment. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and local government authorities have established regulations for the safe and secure handling of radioactive materials. Regulations are administered in Canada by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), in the United States by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and in the United Kingdom by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). , and in France by the Nuclear Safety Agency (ASN).

Orano USA President and CEO Amir Vexler said: “Next-generation technologies such as his IMSR from Terrestrial Energy offer new and valuable commercial applications for nuclear energy. We are applying our expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle to develop these future nuclear energy facilities. I am delighted to be able to promote the

“This result is possible because the IMSR plant is fueled with standard assay low-enriched uranium, which is currently commercially available and widely used in nuclear reactors today,” said Terrestrial Energy CEO. says Simon Eilish. “Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR plant uses a molten salt reactor for direct industrial use and high temperature heat supply, which is essential for high efficiency power generation. Reactor technology is guaranteed to incorporate the existing capabilities of the nuclear industry, such as those offered by Orano, as a clear path to early deployment.”

Orano and Terrestrial Energy have completed this evaluation as part of a broader contract that includes uranium enrichment, chemical conversion to IMSR fuel forms, and services such as manufacturing, transportation, packaging and logistics. The contract is part of Terrestrial Energy’s multi-sourcing strategy for IMSR fuel supply and reflects Orano’s intention to support the commercialization of next-generation reactors with a wide range of fuel services.

For over 50 years, Orano Group has provided the global nuclear industry with nuclear fuel products and expert services across the entire nuclear fuel cycle. These services include uranium enrichment, fuel conversion, production, packaging and transportation. The safety of commercial fuel supplies over the life of the plant is ensured by Orano’s world-leading state-of-the-art conversion and enrichment facilities that perform to the highest standards of safety, quality and security while achieving a reduced environmental footprint. Supported.

About Orano

As a recognized international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano provides solutions that address current and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and state-of-the-art acquisition enable Orano to offer its customers value-added products and services throughout the nuclear fuel cycle. Every day, his 16,500 employees at the Orano Group are committed to developing their skills, unwavering dedication to safety, nuclear material transformation and control, climate, health and resource know-how, a constant stream of innovation. Exploitation is used. An efficient world, today and tomorrow. Orano, maximizing the value of nuclear energy.

About earth energy

Terrestrial Energy is developing a zero-emission cogeneration plant for global industry into near-term commercial operation using proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) nuclear fission technology in an innovative compact modular plant design. increase. The IMSR is a Generation IV class non-light water reactor that operates at the high temperatures required for a wide range of industrial applications with transformative economic potential. IMSR plants are capable of grid-based power generation and industrial cogeneration in many energy-intensive industries, including petrochemicals and chemical synthesis for hydrogen and ammonia production. IMSR plants are nearly 50% more efficient than light water reactor nuclear power plants. Its industrial cogeneration capabilities bring industrial competitiveness, energy security and zero emission industrial production to today’s market. The IMSR plant’s use of existing industrial materials, components and fuels will support its near-term deployment and prepare for the rapid global decarbonization of primary energy systems.

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