Advanced Modular Reactor competition: phase 2 development - project descriptions
Updated 10 July 2020
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Tokamak Energy
Engineering design and development of technology for advanced modular fusion reactors
Tokamak Energy is a private company based in Oxfordshire employing over 100 people, that aims to accelerate the development of fusion energy. Its approach is to combine the new technology of high field strength, high temperature superconducting magnets with the efficiency advantages of the spherical tokamak. This award will contribute to core development work on high temperature superconducting magnets and divertor technologies. These 2 technologies are crucial for fusion energy and the provision of clean, safe and reliable power on a commercial basis.
The project is split into 4 work packages. Tokamak Energy are leading the project, with CERN and Qdot Technology Ltd as key subcontractors, and additional support from research establishments including the University of Oxford, University of Illinois and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US.
Westinghouse
Engineering design and development of technology for advanced modular fission reactors
Westinghouse is developing a Generation IV nuclear power plant based on lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology. It aims to achieve even higher levels of safety, reducing electricity generation costs and providing enhanced market versatility relative to traditional nuclear plants.
The plant features a fast neutron spectrum core in a primary system operating at high temperature and atmospheric pressure. The plant is interfaced with an air-cooled supercritical carbon dioxide power conversion cycle provided with an energy storage system, which allows generation of flexible electricity to best complement intermittent renewable sources. Plant-simplification, high temperature operation and improved thermal efficiency relative to Light Water Reactors are key enablers to achieve Westinghouse’s goals.
Westinghouse will collaborate with domestic and international organisations, including the Italian national agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development (ENEA), Ansaldo Nucleare, Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Jacobs, National Nuclear Laboratory, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre, Vacuum Process Engineering Inc., as well as Bangor University, University of Cambridge and University of Manchester.
The Westinghouse program aims at accelerating LFR development and commercialisation in the UK and globally, through a plant that can address needs of future markets in terms of both competitively priced electricity and non-electricity applications. The Westinghouse team endeavours to most effectively reduce the risk in LFR technology development through 12 work packages primarily focused on the development of state-of-the-art research infrastructure to test and demonstrate LFR materials and components of key importance for Westinghouse LFR’s technical and economic viability. Such research infrastructures will also contribute to training and skills development for UK stakeholders.
U-Battery
Engineering design and development of technology for advanced modular fission reactors
U-Battery is a cost-effective, locally embedded and reliable source of low-carbon power and heat for energy intensive industry and remote locations, capable also of being deployed specifically for hydrogen production. The advanced nuclear reactor is based on well-developed technology and benefits from modular and off-site construction to reduce both cost and risk.
U-Battery is a subsidiary of uranium enrichment firm Urenco, supported by Jacobs, Kinectrics, Cavendish Nuclear, Rolls Royce, National Nuclear Laboratory, Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre, BWXT and Mammoet.