A pillar of salt for carbon-neutral energy production

The clock is ticking in the fight against climate change, and cleaner energy alternatives are among the main drivers in efforts to reverse the damage on a global scale. One solution gaining increasing consideration is the small modular reactor (SMR), as it produces substantial amounts of energy with zero greenhouse gas emissions. Canadian company Terrestrial Energy is a developer of SMRs, and together with Tractebel company ENGIE Laborelec, is tackling the initial phase of its deployment schedule.

Terrestrial Energy is specialized in Generation IV advanced nuclear power plants based on its proprietary Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR®) technology that uses molten salt as a low-pressure, thermally stable coolant and fuel. The company is currently involved in a nuclear fuel qualification program for its IMSR. This is where ENGIE Laborelec comes in: the program requires meticulous testing and measurements, and Terrestrial Energy has called upon our experts for technical assistance. 

ENGIE Laborelec will carry out an extensive series of tests to be administered under conditions compliant with the stringent quality assurance protocols of nuclear codes and standards. The testing is mandatory as part of the procedure to advance a nuclear power plant design through the regulatory process. To perform this wide range of tests, ENGIE Laborelec will work in close collaboration with partners John Cockerill, CRM Group and IJCLab-CNRS.

“Our relationship with ENGIE Laborelec reflects an important feature of our nuclear fuel supply chain strategy. That is to leverage existing world-class expertise to support our early deployment schedule. Nuclear fuel qualification is a key element in the commercial deployment of any nuclear power plant technology. We recognize ENGIE Laborelec’s considerable capabilities in this area and look forward to working closely with its specialist team to complete this work.” Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy

“Terrestrial Energy is engaged in a program of nuclear fuel qualification for its IMSR, a small modular reactor power plant that uses molten salt technology. With our expert knowledge, operational experience, and state-of-the-art measurement and analysis capabilities, we can greatly assist. We are eager to support Terrestrial Energy in this area and play our role in ensuring its success.” Michael Marique, CEO of ENGIE Laborelec

Find out more about Terrestrial Energy and its ISMR technology.