The UK’s 40-year-old fusion reactor achieved a world record for energy output in its final runs before being shut down for good, scientists have announced.

The Joint European Torus (JET) in Oxfordshire began operating in 1983. When running, it was temporarily the hottest point in the solar system, reaching 150 million°C.

The reactor’s previous record was a reaction lasting for 5 seconds in 2021, producing 59 megajoules of heat energy. But in its final tests in late 2023, it surpassed this by sustaining a reaction for 5.2 seconds while also reaching 69 megajoules of output, using just 0.2 milligrams of fuel.

This equates to a power output of 12.5 megawatts – enough to power 12,000 homes, said Mikhail Maslov of the UK Atomic Energy Agency at a press conference on 8 February.

Today’s nuclear power plants rely on fission reactions, where atoms are smashed apart to release energy and smaller particles. Fusion works in reverse, squeezing smaller particles together into larger atoms.

Fusion can create more energy with none of the resulting radioactive waste created by fission, but we don’t yet have a practical way to harness this process in a power plant.

JET forged together atoms of deuterium and tritium – two stable isotopes of hydrogen – in plasma to create helium, while also releasing a vast amount of energy. This is the same reaction that powers our sun. It was a type of fusion reactor known as a tokamak, which contains plasma in a donut shape using rings of electromagnets.

Scientists ran the last experiments with deuterium-tritium fuel at JET in October last year and other experiments continued until December. But the machine has now been shut down for good and it is being decommissioned over the next 16 years.

Juan Matthews at the University of Manchester, UK, says JET will reveal many secrets as it is dismantled, such as how the lining of the reactor deteriorated through contact with plasma and where valuable tritium – worth around £30,000 a gram – has embedded in the machinery and can be recovered. This will be vital information for future research and commercial reactors.

“It’s great that it’s gone out with a little flourish,” says Matthews. “It’s got a noble history. It’s served its time and they’re going to squeeze a bit more information out of it during its decommissioning period as well. So it’s not something to be sad about; it’s something to be celebrated.”

A larger and more modern replacement for JET, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, is nearing completion and its first experiments are due to start in 2025.

Tim Luce, deputy head of the ITER construction project, told the press conference that ITER will scale up the energy output to 500 megawatts, or possibly even 700.

“These are what I usually call power plant scale,” he said. “They’re at the lower end of what you would need for an electricity generating facility. In addition, we need to extend the timescale to at least 300 seconds for the high fusion power and gain but perhaps as long as an hour in terms of energy production. So what JET has done is exactly a scale model of what we have to do in the ITER project.”

Another reactor using the same design, the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device, recently managed to sustain a reaction for 30 seconds at temperatures in excess of 100 million°C.

There are other approaches to creating a working fusion reactor being pursued around the world as well, such as the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. This bombards capsules of fuel with immensely powerful lasers, a process called inertial confinement fusion, and has managed to unleash almost twice the energy that was put into it.

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The UK’s 40-year-old fusion reactor smashed its own record for both reaction duration and energy output in its final runs before being shut down for good, scientists have announced.

The Joint European Torus (JET) in Oxfordshire began operating in 1983. When running, it was temporarily the hottest point in the solar system, reaching 150 million°C.

The reactor’s previous record was a reaction lasting for 5 seconds in 2o21, producing 59 megajoules of heat energy. But in its final tests in late 2023, it surpassed this by sustaining a reaction for 5.2 seconds while also reaching 69 megajoules of output, using just 0.2 milligrams of fuel. This amount of energy is roughly equivalent to the electricity consumed by an average person in the UK in a single day.

Today’s nuclear power plants rely on fission reactions, where atoms are smashed apart to release energy and smaller particles. Fusion works in reverse, squeezing smaller particles together into larger atoms.

Fusion can create more energy with none of the resulting radioactive waste created by fission, but we don’t yet have a practical way to harness this process in a power plant.

JET forged together atoms of deuterium and tritium – two stable isotopes of hydrogen – in plasma to create helium, while also releasing a vast amount of energy. This is the same reaction that powers our sun. It was a type of fusion reactor known as a tokamak, which contains plasma in a donut shape using rings of electromagnets.

Scientists ran the last experiments with deuterium-tritium fuel at JET in October last year and other experiments continued until December. But the machine has now been shut down for good and it is being decommissioned over the next 16 years.

Juan Matthews at the University of Manchester, UK, says JET will reveal many secrets as it is dismantled, such as how the lining of the reactor deteriorated through contact with plasma and where valuable tritium – worth around £30,000 a gram – has embedded in the machinery and can be recovered. This will be vital information for future research and commercial reactors.

“It’s great that it’s gone out with a little flourish,” says Matthews. “It’s got a noble history. It’s served its time and they’re going to squeeze a bit more information out of it during its decommissioning period as well. So it’s not something to be sad about; it’s something to be celebrated.”

A larger and more modern replacement for JET, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in France, is nearing completion and its first experiments are due to start in 2025. Another reactor using the same design, the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device, recently managed to sustain a reaction for 30 seconds at temperatures in excess of 100 million°C.

There are other approaches to creating a working fusion reactor being pursued around the world as well, such as the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. This bombards capsules of fuel with immensely powerful lasers, a process called inertial confinement fusion, and has managed to unleash almost twice the energy that was put into it.

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Earlier this year, the Joint European Torus (JET) turned 40. JET is a fusion energy tokamak device based in Oxfordshire, UK, operated by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. When powered up, plasma rushes around the reactor’s core at 150 million°C, hotter than the centre of the sun.

After decades of research, JET is set to close. But as we discovered on a recent visit, the reactor has made huge steps forward for fusion power, paving the way for the next generation of reactors.

JET is the only fusion machine able to operate with tritium within its fuel mix, and has provided valuable experimental data for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a next-generation tokamak currently under construction near Marseilles, France. The aim is that ITER will produce 10 times more energy than what is put into it, and it could bring us closer to the promise of a clean, unlimited energy source. Join Alex Wilkins as he explores JET and gets insights into the future of fusion.

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TerraPower revealed Wednesday that it has finalized the acquisition of a parcel of land in Kemmerer, Wyoming, which will serve as the site for the Natrium Reactor Demonstration Project. Chris Levesque, TerraPower’s CEO and President, stated that the acquisition represents a progression in the company’s mission to deliver dependable, clean energy to the grid. He emphasized TerraPower’s commitment to collaboration with both local and statewide parties in Kemmerer.

The property’s former owner was PacifiCorp.

Wyoming, and specifically Kemmerer, are not new to the energy production sector. However, the Natrium technology, which combines advanced nuclear reactor technology with an energy storage system, will be Wyoming’s first foray into commercial nuclear power. Interestingly, the Natrium demonstration site is in close proximity to a coal facility slated for retirement. This makes the plant unique as the sole coal-to-nuclear project currently being developed globally. As projections suggest, the project could generate employment opportunities in western Wyoming for many years, with an anticipated peak of 1,600 construction jobs. Moreover, once operational, the facility is expected to require a workforce of 250 full-time employees.

This month has seen significant developments for the Natrium project. TerraPower recently publicized its inaugural series of supplier contracts in support of the Natrium reactor, a move poised to bolster the advanced nuclear supply chain across North America. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was confirmed between TerraPower and Centrus Energy Corp. in July. The MOU aims to guarantee the supply of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for the Natrium reactor, aligning with the target operational date in 2030.

Operating under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP), the Natrium reactor demonstration initiative is a joint effort between public and private sectors. The upcoming plant will serve to validate the Natrium technology’s design, construction, and operational attributes. Central to the project is a 345MW sodium-cooled fast reactor, accompanied by a molten salt-based energy storage mechanism.

This energy storage solution has the capacity to augment the system’s output to 500MW as required. This is comparable to the energy demand of roughly 400,000 residential units. Furthermore, the inherent flexibility of the energy storage system facilitates seamless integration with renewable energy sources.

Mirion Technologies has recently entered into a design contract with X-Energy Reactor Company. The collaboration primarily involves Mirion offering comprehensive design support for the Xe-100 Burn Up Measurement System (BUMS), an essential component in the fuel cycle of the Xe-100 high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). 

Understanding the BUMS

The Burn Up Measurement System, specifically for the Xe-100, is a key component of the online reactor’s fuel management. Equipped with high-purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors, the BUMS emphasizes accuracy and aims to optimize nuclear fuel usage. This not only enhances system productivity but also aims to decrease waste. A unique feature of BUMS is its ability to measure specific gamma indicators to evaluate the burn-up level, initial fuel enrichment, and the plutonium/uranium ratio in each circulating fuel pebble.

A statement clarified that the BUMS is an essential part of the reactors, designed to meet fuel efficiency targets and maintain reliable operation. With Mirion’s well-established background in nuclear instrumentation, there’s an expectation to test the BUMS prototype by 2024 and initiate the production of operational units by 2025.

The Progression Path

The ongoing developmental phase sees X-energy and Mirion working on the BUMS system, integrating a Mirion HPGe detector. To align with the protective strategies of the Xe-100 and its fuel management, BUMS is set to undergo a qualification process to validate its functionality under stipulated conditions.

The advanced test reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory is the chosen venue for further testing.

Collaboration Highlights

In a noteworthy development last year, X-energy secured $1.2 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. The grant is intended for the development, licensing, and establishment of an advanced reactor and fuel fabrication facility within the decade. Mirion, already a prominent name in radiation safety and measurements in global nuclear power facilities, has been in continuous discussions with various small modular reactor (SMR) stakeholders over the past year.

Mirion’s Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Logan, remarked on the collaboration, emphasizing their preparedness and expertise in ionizing radiation and nuclear power to support upcoming innovations in the field.

BWX Technologies, Inc. has been chosen to deliver a cutting-edge nuclear reactor engine and fuel for a revolutionary space project by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). This collaboration signifies a significant milestone in space exploration, paving the way for advancements in propulsion technology.

At the vanguard of technological breakthroughs, DARPA, the U.S. Department of Defense’s research and development arm, has been spearheading advancements for years. Their visionary approach to space exploration encompasses the pursuit of revolutionary propulsion systems capable of vastly enhancing spacecraft efficiency and capabilities. By joining forces with BWXT, DARPA seeks to harness the immense potential of advanced nuclear technologies to propel space missions to unprecedented heights.

The integration of a nuclear reactor engine in space missions promises unparalleled efficiency compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems. The sustained and potent power output of nuclear reactors allows spacecraft to traverse vast distances in significantly shorter time frames, making deep-space exploration and interplanetary missions far more achievable.

Conventional propulsion systems often encounter limitations concerning fuel availability and onboard storage capacity. A nuclear reactor engine, on the other hand, can operate for extended periods without frequent refueling, ensuring prolonged mission durations and increased opportunities for scientific research.

The heightened efficiency of nuclear reactors results in reduced fuel mass requirements for long-duration missions. Consequently, spacecraft equipped with nuclear propulsion systems can carry larger payloads, including scientific instruments, communication equipment, and even crews, facilitating more comprehensive and ambitious space missions.

Nuclear reactor engines offer unparalleled flexibility in terms of trajectory and mission planning. The ability to adjust thrust levels and directions allows for optimized path adjustments during the journey, enabling spacecraft to navigate complex orbital maneuvers and reach their intended destinations with unprecedented precision.

BWXT’s collaboration with DARPA revolves around the development and delivery of a nuclear reactor engine specifically tailored for space missions. The reactor’s design incorporates cutting-edge safety features, ensuring the reliability and security during operation.

The deployment of nuclear technologies in space necessitates stringent safety protocols to mitigate potential risks. BWXT and DARPA are working hand in hand to implement robust safety measures, including fail-safe mechanisms and contingency plans. The reactor’s design is carefully engineered to withstand the harsh conditions of space, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

Contrary to misconceptions, nuclear propulsion offers remarkable environmental benefits for space missions. Compared to traditional chemical propulsion, nuclear engines produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions and particulate matter. The long-term sustainability of nuclear technologies in space aligns with global efforts to explore the cosmos responsibly while preserving Earth’s environment.

The adoption of nuclear reactor engines has the potential to revolutionize space exploration beyond Earth’s orbit. Empowered by the extended range and capabilities of this advanced propulsion system, manned missions to distant planets, moons, and even interstellar travel become feasible possibilities. The prospect of human colonies on other celestial bodies takes a significant step closer to reality through the collaborative efforts of BWXT and DARPA.

The collaboration between BWX Technologies, Inc., and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency marks a pivotal moment in the annals of space exploration. The deployment of an advanced nuclear reactor engine opens up new frontiers for interplanetary missions, extended space expeditions, and groundbreaking scientific research. The unparalleled efficiency, safety measures, and environmental advantages of nuclear propulsion make it a cornerstone of future space endeavors.

The South Korea Small Modular Reactor sector is set to witness significant advancements with the launch of a private-public partnership, as announced by the industry ministry on Tuesday.

Enhancing Competitiveness through Government Assistance

The newly formed Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Alliance, consisting of 42 South Korean state-run and private entities, has called for government support to bolster their competitiveness on the global stage. As the world increasingly prioritizes the capacity to generate a stable supply of affordable and green energy, the alliance seeks to position itself at the forefront of this sector.

Understanding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that boast a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW), approximately one-third of the generating capacity of conventional nuclear reactors. These reactors have the capability to produce a substantial amount of low-carbon electricity, resulting in cost savings and reduced construction time. Moreover, SMRs can be deployed incrementally to match the growing energy demands, as confirmed by industry officials.

Key Players in the SMR Alliance

Among the 42 participants in the alliance are prominent entities such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and 31 private organizations, including SK, GS Energy, Samsung C&T, Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Doosan Enerbility. These firms collectively urge the government to enhance public acceptance of SMRs, primarily by addressing safety concerns and highlighting the benefits they offer.

Promoting Safety and Economic Advantages

During the launching ceremony held at the Westin Josun Seoul hotel, SK Inc. CEO Jang Dong-hyun emphasized the need to raise awareness about the safety of SMRs. He emphasized the importance of transparent communication to help the public understand the economic benefits of revitalizing the economy through energy efficiency. Jang Dong-hyun’s statement highlights the significance of ensuring public confidence in SMRs.

South Korea’s Track Record and Future Outlook

South Korea has demonstrated its prowess in successfully delivering numerous large-scale nuclear power plant construction projects, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the industry. The CEO of SK Inc. further emphasized that the country’s position as a global SMR powerhouse would depend on how quickly and effectively industry players adopt global SMR standards to contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Government Support for Sustainable Growth

Jang Dong-hyun stated that the efforts of industry players alone are insufficient without the government’s revision of energy-related laws and the formulation of medium- to long-term policies that incorporate nuclear energy into the country’s power plan. To foster sustainable growth and enable local players to secure a place in the global supply chain, he stressed the importance of implementing measures that support the SMR sector.

Policy Support for the SMR Sector

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Chang-yang, expressed the government’s commitment to provide policy support for the SMR sector. In his speech at the ceremony, he highlighted Korea’s achievements in constructing large nuclear power plants over the past few decades. To maintain and expand this success in the global SMR market, the government aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of reactors. It plans to provide assistance in areas such as system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives.

In conclusion, the private-public partnership formed by the SMR Alliance holds great promise for advancing the small modular reactor sector. With government assistance and a strong focus on safety, globalcompetitiveness, and economic benefits, the alliance aims to position itself as a leader in the SMR industry. By raising awareness about the safety and advantages of SMRs, addressing public concerns, and implementing supportive policies, Korea can solidify its position as a global SMR powerhouse and contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. The government’s commitment to providing policy support, including system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives, further demonstrates its dedication to the sustainable growth of the SMR sector. With these collective efforts, the future of SMRs looks promising, offering a greener and more efficient solution for meeting the world’s energy needs.

The South Korea Small Modular Reactor sector is set to witness significant advancements with the launch of a private-public partnership, as announced by the industry ministry on Tuesday.

Enhancing Competitiveness through Government Assistance

The newly formed Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Alliance, consisting of 42 South Korean state-run and private entities, has called for government support to bolster their competitiveness on the global stage. As the world increasingly prioritizes the capacity to generate a stable supply of affordable and green energy, the alliance seeks to position itself at the forefront of this sector.

Understanding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

SMRs are advanced nuclear reactors that boast a power capacity of up to 300 megawatts (MW), approximately one-third of the generating capacity of conventional nuclear reactors. These reactors have the capability to produce a substantial amount of low-carbon electricity, resulting in cost savings and reduced construction time. Moreover, SMRs can be deployed incrementally to match the growing energy demands, as confirmed by industry officials.

Key Players in the SMR Alliance

Among the 42 participants in the alliance are prominent entities such as the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and 31 private organizations, including SK, GS Energy, Samsung C&T, Daewoo E&C, GS E&C, and Doosan Enerbility. These firms collectively urge the government to enhance public acceptance of SMRs, primarily by addressing safety concerns and highlighting the benefits they offer.

Promoting Safety and Economic Advantages

During the launching ceremony held at the Westin Josun Seoul hotel, SK Inc. CEO Jang Dong-hyun emphasized the need to raise awareness about the safety of SMRs. He emphasized the importance of transparent communication to help the public understand the economic benefits of revitalizing the economy through energy efficiency. Jang Dong-hyun’s statement highlights the significance of ensuring public confidence in SMRs.

South Korea’s Track Record and Future Outlook

South Korea has demonstrated its prowess in successfully delivering numerous large-scale nuclear power plant construction projects, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the industry. The CEO of SK Inc. further emphasized that the country’s position as a global SMR powerhouse would depend on how quickly and effectively industry players adopt global SMR standards to contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality.

Government Support for Sustainable Growth

Jang Dong-hyun stated that the efforts of industry players alone are insufficient without the government’s revision of energy-related laws and the formulation of medium- to long-term policies that incorporate nuclear energy into the country’s power plan. To foster sustainable growth and enable local players to secure a place in the global supply chain, he stressed the importance of implementing measures that support the SMR sector.

Policy Support for the SMR Sector

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, Lee Chang-yang, expressed the government’s commitment to provide policy support for the SMR sector. In his speech at the ceremony, he highlighted Korea’s achievements in constructing large nuclear power plants over the past few decades. To maintain and expand this success in the global SMR market, the government aims to ensure the safe and stable operation of reactors. It plans to provide assistance in areas such as system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives.

In conclusion, the private-public partnership formed by the SMR Alliance holds great promise for advancing the small modular reactor sector. With government assistance and a strong focus on safety, globalcompetitiveness, and economic benefits, the alliance aims to position itself as a leader in the SMR industry. By raising awareness about the safety and advantages of SMRs, addressing public concerns, and implementing supportive policies, Korea can solidify its position as a global SMR powerhouse and contribute to the broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. The government’s commitment to providing policy support, including system maintenance, technology development, human resources training, and tax incentives, further demonstrates its dedication to the sustainable growth of the SMR sector. With these collective efforts, the future of SMRs looks promising, offering a greener and more efficient solution for meeting the world’s energy needs.

NB Power, in collaboration with ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc. (ARC), is excited to announce significant progress in the development of their advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project. The company has successfully submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment registration document to the Department of Environment and Local Government (DELG), along with a Licence to Prepare Site Application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). These submissions signify a crucial milestone in their ambitious plans to construct and operate an advanced small modular reactor at the existing Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS).

In line with NB Power’s recently launched strategic plan, “Energizing our Future,” the company aims to phase out coal by 2030 and achieve net-zero supply by 2035, all while prioritizing energy security. To fulfill these objectives, NB Power recognizes the need for cost-effective, clean, and secure energy solutions. Embracing small modular reactors is a significant step towards achieving their target of being net-zero by 2030 while adequately serving the energy needs of the people of New Brunswick.

Lori Clark, President and CEO of NB Power, stated, “To transition to a cost-effective, clean, and secure energy supply, we are exploring new ways of delivering energy to customers. Small modular reactors are part of the solution to reach our target of being net-zero by 2030 and ensure that we are meeting the needs of New Brunswickers today and into the future.”

NB Power is actively seeking strategic partnerships to support the construction and operation of the advanced small modular reactor. These collaborations will be built on principles of accountability, transparency, and long-term sustainability, with a focus on realizing the full potential benefits of the project.

ARC has been dedicated to the development of the ARC-100 since 2018. This modular, advanced sodium-cooled fast reactor is designed to generate a minimum of 100 megawatts of electricity. With NB Power’s technical support, the ARC-100 is poised to become Canada’s first on-grid advanced SMR facility. The project aligns with Stream 2 of the Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors, which was jointly prepared by the governments of New Brunswick, Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in 2022.

Bill Labbe, President and CEO of ARC Clean Technology Canada, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The milestone achieved today demonstrates that ARC and NB Power continue to be industry leaders in the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology in Canada. We have an unprecedented opportunity to grow the low-carbon economy of the future, and ARC looks forward to the open and transparent public licensing processes that are now beginning.”

The collaboration between NB Power and ARC Clean Technology Canada brings together expertise, innovation, and a shared commitment to building a sustainable and clean energy future for Canada. As the project progresses, both companies are confident in their ability to lead the way in advancing nuclear technology and contributing to a low-carbon economy.

The documents will become publicly available in the coming days. To learn more, visit Advanced Small Modular Reactors (nbpower.com)