US Department of Energy Provides Funding for Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment
Cost-shared funding has been approved for a project aimed at advancing molten salt reactor technology in the US.
The US Department of Energy has provided cost-shared funding support for the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment project, which is targeted to reach its first critical milestone in 2027.
Project and Purpose of Funding Support
The US Department of Energy approved cost-shared funding for the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment under the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. This funding aims to advance the scientific understanding of molten salt reactor technology.
Carried out in partnership with Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory, and Core Power, the efforts will lay the groundwork for future reactor designs and commercial applications.
Technical Details and Fuel Production
In the project, liquid salt is used as both the fuel and the coolant, enabling the generation of heat or electricity at high temperatures. Reaching the critical stage requires between 72 and 75 batches of fuel salt.
While Idaho National Laboratory has faced the largest fuel production challenge of the past three decades, a significant success in fuel efficiency was achieved in 2024.
Statements from Institutional Officials
Idaho National Laboratory official Jess Gehin stated that the project will be the world's first fast-spectrum molten salt reactor to reach criticality.
Core Power CEO Mikal Bøe expressed that the project holds the potential to serve as a zero-emission, sustainable power source for maritime transport.