INL

Pioneering Nuclear Technology Firm, Curio, Closes $14 Million Seed Round to Drive Clean Energy Innovation

Retrieved on: 
Friday, April 19, 2024
Public sector, DOE, GAIN, Converters (industry), PNNL, Partnership, PIA, Cooperative, CURIE, Primary energy, Radionuclide, ARPA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, INL, Moskowitz, Renewable energy

WASHINGTON, April 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Curio Legacy Ventures, Inc., a Washington DC-based company dedicated to advancing a closed fuel cycle through innovative technologies like NuCycle®, a revolutionary nuclear waste recycling technology, proudly announces the successful closure of its seed round with a total haul of $14 million. This achievement signifies a significant step forward in the company's mission to establish clean nuclear power as a catalyst for global prosperity and sustainability.

Key Points: 
  • This achievement signifies a significant step forward in the company's mission to establish clean nuclear power as a catalyst for global prosperity and sustainability.
  • Our commitment to developing pivotal and transformational nuclear technologies for a closed and sustainable nuclear cycle underscores our belief in seizing the future of energy.
  • Clean nuclear power serves as the cornerstone of our mission, envisioning a world where the United States leads as the leading nuclear energy exporter and supplier of nuclear fuel, energy, and next-generation radioisotopes and nuclides."
  • Looking ahead, Curio plans to leverage the success of its seed round to bridge towards further development, expanding its portfolio of technology advancements.

ANEEL™ Fuel Irradiation Begins in the Advanced Test Reactor at Idaho National Lab

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024
Principal, PIE, Idaho National Laboratory, Face, PHWR, INL, Climate, Strategic partnership, ATR, Private sector, ANEEL, Thorium, Nuclear energy, HALEU, DOE, Core, Advanced Test Reactor, Uranium mining

CHICAGO, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Core Thorium Energy (Clean Core) announced today that the accelerated irradiation testing and qualification of their patented ANEEL™ Fuel is set to begin in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The fuel, made of thorium and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), was developed by Clean Core for use in pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs) and Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) reactors. Its insertion into one of the US government’s premier material testing facilities represents a key milestone in the company’s multi-year, multimillion-dollar joint effort with the US Department of Energy (DOE) to design, fabricate, and assemble the irradiation experiment.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, April 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Clean Core Thorium Energy (Clean Core) announced today that the accelerated irradiation testing and qualification of their patented ANEEL™ Fuel is set to begin in the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
  • In 2022, Clean Core signed a Strategic Partnership Project Agreement with INL to design and execute an irradiation experiment in ATR to demonstrate and assess the performance of Clean Core’s innovative Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life (ANEEL™) fuel.
  • Upon receipt, INL developed the irradiation test plan, performed pre-irradiation characterization of the fuel pellets, designed and fabricated the experiment hardware and test trains, assembled the test trains, and finally inserted the experiment into the ATR.
  • “Clean Core is focused on the efficient development and deployment of the ANEEL fuel in heavy water reactors, without any modifications to the fuel bundle geometry or the reactor.

Lightbridge Achieves Critical Fabrication Development Milestone by Demonstrating the Extrusion Process for Uranium-Zirconium Samples

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 18, 2024
Uranium, Idaho National Laboratory, Development, Zirconium, INL, Research, Engineering, Extrusion, LTBR, Safety, HALEU, DOE, Economics

Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has extruded coupon samples of Lightbridge Fuel™ material consisting of an alloy of depleted uranium and zirconium.

Key Points: 
  • Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has extruded coupon samples of Lightbridge Fuel™ material consisting of an alloy of depleted uranium and zirconium.
  • The extrusion process involves pressing a metallic alloy billet through a die.
  • The data will support fuel performance modeling and regulatory licensing efforts for the commercial deployment of Lightbridge Fuel.
  • “We are pleased to collaborate with Lightbridge in achieving this important milestone in their efforts to qualify Lightbridge fuel,” said Jess Gehin, INL associate laboratory director for Nuclear Science and Technology.

Universities Space Research Association Appoints Robert O'Brien Director, Center for Space Nuclear Research

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 29, 2024
Physics, Idaho National Laboratory, USRA, INL, Research, Royal Astronomical Society, Science, University, Doctor of Philosophy, NASA, Royal, Interim, Primary energy, Renewable energy

Rob's academic background is equally impressive--he holds a PhD in nuclear engineering and physics of radioisotope and nuclear power/propulsion systems for space exploration from the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, as well as a master's degree in physics in Space Science and Technology. He holds several patents and patents pending and is a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Key Points: 
  • WASHINGTON, March 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Universities Space Research Association today announced the appointment of Dr. Robert O'Brien as Director, Center for Space Nuclear Research.
  • As an internationally recognized Principal Space and Nuclear Scientist/Engineer, Rob has demonstrated exemplary leadership in both research and programmatic management.
  • We are thrilled to welcome Rob back to USRA as the Director of our Center for Space Nuclear Research," said Bernie Seery, Vice President for Science and Technology at USRA.
  • "We anticipate Rob's return to USRA as the Director of our Center for Space Nuclear Research will greatly benefit our research initiatives and enhance our position in the field of space nuclear research."

US Critical Materials Corp. Announces Major Discovery of Gallium on their Sheep Creek, Montana Properties

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 21, 2024
Gallium, USGS, Republic, Development, PPM, Risk, INL, Bureau, CRADA, Semiconductor, National security, Mining, Rare-earth element

SALT LAKE CITY, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- US Critical Materials confirmed a strategically significant deposit of high-grade gallium on its 6700 acres of claims in Sheep Creek, Montana.

Key Points: 
  • SALT LAKE CITY, March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- US Critical Materials confirmed a strategically significant deposit of high-grade gallium on its 6700 acres of claims in Sheep Creek, Montana.
  • The Chinese government has recently embargoed the export of gallium, which is critical for national defense and many other vital applications.
  • US Critical Materials prime gallium claims average over 300 PPM and go as high as 1370 PPM.
  • US Critical Materials looks forward to being the primary gallium producer in the United States."

Lightbridge Provides Business Update and Announces Fiscal Year 2023 Financial Results

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
GAIN, INL, Gateway, FEED, Centrus Energy, NuScale Power, ATM, Virginia Commonwealth University, Plant, COP28, Travel, Treasury, LTBR, Webcast, Texas A&M University, G&A, Research, Insurance, Structure, Cryptocurrency

RESTON, Va,, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (“Lightbridge”) (Nasdaq: LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and provided an update on the Company’s continued progress.

Key Points: 
  • RESTON, Va,, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (“Lightbridge”) (Nasdaq: LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, and provided an update on the Company’s continued progress.
  • Cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2023, was $6.2 million, a decrease of $4.7 million, compared to $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
  • Stockholders’ equity was $28.9 million at December 31, 2023, as compared to $29.1 million at December 31, 2022.
  • This $0.4 million decrease was due to the GAIN voucher project that was completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Idaho National Laboratory Completes Pre-Conceptual Review of NANO Nuclear Energy’s Proprietary Low-Pressure Coolant Microreactor “ODIN”

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024
NANO, United States national laboratories, Void coefficient, INL, Idaho National Laboratory, United, Lead, Skylon (spacecraft), Uranium mining

NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. ("NANO Nuclear"), an emerging microreactor and advanced nuclear technology company, led by a world-class nuclear engineering team developing proprietary, portable, and clean energy solutions, announced that Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has completed a pre-conceptual design review of NANO Nuclear’s “ODIN” low-pressure coolant microreactor design.

Key Points: 
  • NEW YORK, NY, Feb. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. ("NANO Nuclear"), an emerging microreactor and advanced nuclear technology company, led by a world-class nuclear engineering team developing proprietary, portable, and clean energy solutions, announced that Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has completed a pre-conceptual design review of NANO Nuclear’s “ODIN” low-pressure coolant microreactor design.
  • The review was requested by NANO Nuclear to provide an external audit of the technical work completed to date on the “ODIN” microreactor.
  • NANO Nuclear expects that INL will perform a similar review of its proprietary “ZEUS” microreactor in February 2024.
  • “Working alongside Idaho National Laboratory and their team of esteemed professionals has been immensely beneficial to NANO Nuclear,” said James Walker, NANO Nuclear Energy’s CEO and Head of Nuclear Reactor Development.

U.S. DOE Approves the Safety Design Strategy for the Oklo Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Environmental Policy, Professional Services, White House, Federal Government, Public Policy, Other Policy Issues, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Green Technology, Alternative Energy, Government, Environment, Energy, Multimedia, Inc., CSDR, Safety, INL, Uranium, DOE, Idaho National Laboratory, SDS, Uranium mining

Oklo Inc. (“Oklo”), a fast fission clean power technology and nuclear fuel recycling company, has announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reviewed and approved the Safety Design Strategy (SDS) for the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL).

Key Points: 
  • Oklo Inc. (“Oklo”), a fast fission clean power technology and nuclear fuel recycling company, has announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has reviewed and approved the Safety Design Strategy (SDS) for the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
  • The Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility is being designed to demonstrate the reuse of recovered nuclear material to support Oklo’s planned commercial advanced fission power plant demonstration at INL.
  • “The SDS approval is a major step towards a DOE approval of the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility as we continue towards our goal of producing fuel for our planned Aurora commercial power plant,” said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo.
  • The SDS marks the initial stage in a comprehensive DOE approval process prior to the operation of the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility.

Westinghouse Reaches a Key Milestone with Accident-Tolerant Fuel Technology

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Manufacturing, White House, Federal Government, Other Science, Other Technology, Research, Homeland Security, Science, Technology, Other Energy, Public Policy, Government, Utilities, Alternative Vehicles, Fuels, Alternative Energy, Energy, Other Manufacturing, Public Safety, Nuclear, Chemicals, Plastics, Westinghouse Electric Company, DOE, Nuclear fuel, BWR, Multimedia, Electricity, Idaho National Laboratory, Power plant engineering, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, PWR, Safety, INL, Nuclear energy, NRC, Laboratory, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, AGR, VVER, Plant, United States national laboratories, The Electric Company, Uranium mining

Westinghouse Electric Company provided 25 irradiated nuclear fuel rods, including accident-tolerant fuel, to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for testing and examination, a critical step toward qualification of the new design.

Key Points: 
  • Westinghouse Electric Company provided 25 irradiated nuclear fuel rods, including accident-tolerant fuel, to Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for testing and examination, a critical step toward qualification of the new design.
  • View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240125022554/en/
    The shipment of advanced fuel, designed by Westinghouse, arriving at INL following its irradiation in a commercial nuclear power plant.
  • (Photo: Business Wire)
    Designed by Westinghouse, this new fuel technology with enhanced safety features will enable nuclear power plants to extend the generation of electricity from the current 18 months to 24 months, reducing refueling outages while delivering significant cost savings for customers and generating less spent nuclear fuel.
  • Westinghouse is a leading supplier of nuclear fuel, providing a uniquely diversified portfolio in the industry across nuclear reactor types, including PWR, BWR, AGR, and VVER.

FuelCell Energy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Fiscal Year 2023 Results

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Carbon, Hydrogen, Marketing, Government, SOEC, Treasury, B cell, Food, Repowering, National Nuclear Laboratory, Electrolysis, Transport, North West England, Automation, FuelCell Energy, Economics, Electricity, Capacity, Housatonic River, Artificial intelligence, Trinity College, Adjustment, Foundation models, ExxonMobil, Settlement, Overalls, Plastic, Idaho National Laboratory, IBM, Joint, United States Treasury security, INL, Welding, KFC, Carbon capture, Appendix, EDF Energy, Insurance, Engineering, Electrode, Natural gas, Gasoline, Sale, Research, Heat, Intelligence, Temperature, Water, Southern California Edison, Posco Energy, Longevity, CNL, Investment, CO2, Renewable energy

DANBURY, Conn., Dec. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FuelCell Energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL) -- a global leader in decarbonizing power and producing hydrogen through its proprietary, state-of-the-art fuel cell platforms to enable a world empowered by clean energy -- today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 31, 2023.

Key Points: 
  • Operating expenses for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 increased to $34.9 million from $27.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Research and development expenses increased to $18.0 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023 compared to $12.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Net loss was $29.5 million in fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared to net loss of $42.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Adjusted EBITDA totaled $(30.8) million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $(36.1) million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022.