Blykalla and Newcleo say partnership will speed up commercialisation
European nuclear companies Blykalla and Newcleo have signed an agreement for the joint research and development of materials for Generation IV lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs).
They said the partnership will involve the exchange of materials, results and data to help R&D programmes.
By combining findings from their individual R&D programmes and industrialisation processes, the two companies hope to speed up the commercialisation of LFR technology, which they say is crucial for Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.
Blykalla, a Sweden-based developer of lead-cooled small modular reactors, recently broke ground on its advanced reactor testing facility at the Oskarshamn nuclear site to the south of Stockholm.
The facility will house an electrical Sealer-E prototype reactor and aims to validate critical components and safety systems for a future nuclear plant. The pilot plant will not use nuclear fuel.
Blykalla has secured a grant of almost €9m ($9.4m) from the Swedish Energy Agency and a €17m investment from the EU. The company plans to achieve criticality for its first Sealer reactor by 2030 and begin serial production in the 2030s.
France-based Newcleo, meanwhile, has begun the process to acquire land for its first lead-cooled LFR-AS-30 reactor in the Chinon Vienne et Loire region of western France.
The company is working to design, build, and operate Generation IV advanced modular lead-cooled reactors fuelled by reprocessed nuclear waste.
“By collaborating, Blykalla and Newcleo will have access to each other's research facilities and expert personnel, facilitating the exchange of materials, testing results, and data,” a joint statement said.
“This collaboration will enable both companies to enhance material solutions, ensuring the reliability and longevity of next-generation nuclear reactors.”
