Southern Company, TerraPower, and CORE POWER Achieve Milestone in Development of Molten Chloride Fast Reactor
Southern Company, TerraPower, and CORE POWER have reached a significant milestone in the development of the first-of-a-kind Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR). The successful initiation of pumped-salt operations in the Integrated Effects Test (IET) marks a major achievement in the advancement of Generation-IV molten salt reactor technology.
Dr. Mark S. Berry, Southern Company Services senior vice president of research and development, expressed his belief in the potential of the next generation of nuclear power to provide affordable and sustainable net-zero energy for customers. He stated, “It’s exciting to see each new landmark in the Integrated Effects Test, as it helps our nation rebuild lost molten salt reactor knowledge.”
The IET, located at TerraPower’s laboratory in Everett, Washington, is the world’s largest chloride salt system developed by the nuclear sector. It is a nonnuclear, externally heated, up to 1-megawatt multiloop system that has undergone extensive mechanical, electrical, and controls verification. The project team, which includes Southern Company, TerraPower, CORE POWER, EPRI, Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Vanderbilt University, has successfully commissioned all systems and commenced pumped-salt operations.
The Molten Chloride Fast Reactor has the potential to meet the carbon-free needs of various industrial sectors, including those beyond electricity. Jeff Latkowski, senior vice president for the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor, highlighted the significance of the Integrated Effects Test in gathering crucial data to support the development of this groundbreaking technology. He stated, “The Integrated Effects Test will help us gather and evaluate data to support the development of our technology, and we are excited to launch pumped-salt operations.”
The IET will play a crucial role in informing the design, licensing, and operation of an approximately 180-megawatt MCFR demonstration planned for the early 2030s. This next-generation nuclear reactor holds the potential to provide stable, zero-carbon energy, complementing intermittent renewable resources on the grid, and offering high-grade process heat and thermal storage for energy-intensive industrial markets and ocean transportation sectors.
Mikal Bøe, president and CEO of CORE POWER, expressed immense pride in contributing to the success of the Integrated Effects Test. He emphasized the importance of collecting last-mile data for the design and build of the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor, which will be suitable for the commercial marine environment.
The collaboration between Southern Company, TerraPower, and CORE POWER represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced nuclear reactor technology. With a focus on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, these companies are working towards a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions future by 2050.
About Southern Company:
Southern Company is a leading energy provider serving millions of customers across the Southeast and beyond. The company is committed to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy while advancing towards a goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
About TerraPower:
TerraPower is a nuclear innovation company founded by Bill Gates and a group of visionaries. It strives to improve the world through nuclear energy and science, addressing global challenges and bringing together the strengths of the public and private sectors.
About CORE POWER:
CORE POWER is a company focused on building marine-appropriate reactor plants and promoting new nuclear energy in the maritime industry. With strategic shareholders from the global marine industry, CORE POWER aims to create a competitive, zero-emission power system for the future of global trade.
The successful start of pumped-salt operations in the Integrated Effects Test represents a significant step forward in the development of the Molten Chloride Fast Reactor. This achievement brings us closer to a future of clean, reliable, and sustainable energy.