[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Owen Gregorian [@OwenGregorian](/creator/twitter/OwenGregorian) on x 119.2K followers Created: 2025-07-25 12:08:37 UTC 4th-gen nuclear reactors near launch in US as advanced fuel line goes operational | Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering TRISO fuel consists of a uranium core encased in layers of carbon and silicon carbide (SiC). BWX Technologies has completed a new Uranium Nitride TRISO fuel production line at its Technology Centre in Lynchburg. Installing a chemical vapor infiltration furnace was the final step required to make the line operational. The facility can now produce additively manufactured fuel for Generation IV (Gen−IV) reactors. The project is part of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which supports the development of BWXT’s BANR high-temperature gas microreactor design. “DOE’s support of BWXT’s microreactor design and TRISO fuel manufacturing capabilities is a great example of how we are working hand-in-hand with industry to re-establish the United States as a global leader in nuclear energy,” said Mike Goff, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy. To contain fission products at extreme temperatures TRISO (TRi-structural ISOtropic) fuel particles contain a uranium kernel surrounded by carbon and silicon carbide (SiC) layers. This structure is designed to contain fission products at very high temperatures. The new production line uses additive manufacturing to create fuel forms holding a higher density of these TRISO particles per pellet. This method is being developed to improve fuel efficiency and potentially lower reactor system costs. While the company’s existing TRISO line produces uranium oxycarbide fuel for the Department of Defense’s Project Pele, this new line is dedicated to uranium nitride fuel. BWXT is working with Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to test and qualify this different form of TRISO fuel. “Our advanced capability to manufacture TRISO fuel in multiple forms and shapes at scale will play an important role in enabling the SMR and advanced microreactor market to flourish,” said Kate Kelly, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies. The company has other agreements related to its nuclear fuel and reactor business. In July 2024, BWXT announced it was cooperating with the Wyoming Energy Authority to evaluate potential locations for a TRISO fuel fabrication facility. It also has a cooperative agreement with a Tata Chemicals subsidiary to explore deploying up to eight BANR reactors at a site in Green River, Wyoming, in the early 2030s. “We’re proud to be working with DOE to diversify and optimize our TRISO fuel manufacturing capabilities as part of our ARDP scope and, more broadly, ensure the success of America’s growing advanced nuclear industry,” concluded Kelly. Broader US initiatives in nuclear fuel Interestingly, the US is actively developing new nuclear fuel sources for next-generation nuclear reactors. Recently, a new fuel program was initiated to accelerate testing advaof nced reactor designs. The stated goal for that program is to achieve nuclear criticality in the new reactors by 2026. In another effort, NASA is trying to develop a new kind of nuclear fuel, americium-241, that could replace plutonium-238 in the agency’s longest space missions. If successful, americium-241 could expand NASA’s power options for missions to the outer solar system and beyond, where sunlight is scarce and reliability is non-negotiable.  XXXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [stocks technology](/topic/stocks-technology) [Post Link](https://x.com/OwenGregorian/status/1948717019051729072)
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Owen Gregorian @OwenGregorian on x 119.2K followers
Created: 2025-07-25 12:08:37 UTC
4th-gen nuclear reactors near launch in US as advanced fuel line goes operational | Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering
TRISO fuel consists of a uranium core encased in layers of carbon and silicon carbide (SiC).
BWX Technologies has completed a new Uranium Nitride TRISO fuel production line at its Technology Centre in Lynchburg.
Installing a chemical vapor infiltration furnace was the final step required to make the line operational. The facility can now produce additively manufactured fuel for Generation IV (Gen−IV) reactors.
The project is part of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program, which supports the development of BWXT’s BANR high-temperature gas microreactor design.
“DOE’s support of BWXT’s microreactor design and TRISO fuel manufacturing capabilities is a great example of how we are working hand-in-hand with industry to re-establish the United States as a global leader in nuclear energy,” said Mike Goff, acting assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy.
To contain fission products at extreme temperatures
TRISO (TRi-structural ISOtropic) fuel particles contain a uranium kernel surrounded by carbon and silicon carbide (SiC) layers. This structure is designed to contain fission products at very high temperatures.
The new production line uses additive manufacturing to create fuel forms holding a higher density of these TRISO particles per pellet. This method is being developed to improve fuel efficiency and potentially lower reactor system costs.
While the company’s existing TRISO line produces uranium oxycarbide fuel for the Department of Defense’s Project Pele, this new line is dedicated to uranium nitride fuel. BWXT is working with Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to test and qualify this different form of TRISO fuel.
“Our advanced capability to manufacture TRISO fuel in multiple forms and shapes at scale will play an important role in enabling the SMR and advanced microreactor market to flourish,” said Kate Kelly, president of BWXT Advanced Technologies.
The company has other agreements related to its nuclear fuel and reactor business. In July 2024, BWXT announced it was cooperating with the Wyoming Energy Authority to evaluate potential locations for a TRISO fuel fabrication facility.
It also has a cooperative agreement with a Tata Chemicals subsidiary to explore deploying up to eight BANR reactors at a site in Green River, Wyoming, in the early 2030s.
“We’re proud to be working with DOE to diversify and optimize our TRISO fuel manufacturing capabilities as part of our ARDP scope and, more broadly, ensure the success of America’s growing advanced nuclear industry,” concluded Kelly.
Broader US initiatives in nuclear fuel
Interestingly, the US is actively developing new nuclear fuel sources for next-generation nuclear reactors.
Recently, a new fuel program was initiated to accelerate testing advaof nced reactor designs. The stated goal for that program is to achieve nuclear criticality in the new reactors by 2026.
In another effort, NASA is trying to develop a new kind of nuclear fuel, americium-241, that could replace plutonium-238 in the agency’s longest space missions. If successful, americium-241 could expand NASA’s power options for missions to the outer solar system and beyond, where sunlight is scarce and reliability is non-negotiable.
XXXXXX engagements
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