Advanced nuclear fuel manufacturer TRISO-X, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of X-Energy, Inc., has announced a 30-month extension of its cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The advanced nuclear fuel research agreement expands upon a strategic collaboration active since 2016, focused on advancing commercial scale TRISO fuel manufacturing and process engineering.
A Decade of Joint Research and Technical Progress
The renewed partnership builds upon nearly ten years of technology transfer, joint research, and technical process development. Under the extended agreement, TRISO-X will continue operating its existing pilot facility onsite at ORNL. The collaboration combines ORNL’s foundational nuclear science with TRISO-X’s chemical engineering expertise to optimize fuel fabrication, improve product quality and yield, and refine characterization methods and processing streams.
“ORNL has been a critical partner in transforming years of TRISO fuel research into commercial manufacturing capability,” said Joel Duling, President of TRISO-X.
“For a decade, our team has relied upon the Lab’s world-class capabilities and specialized facilities to solve complex technical challenges, mature manufacturing processes, and build the foundation for commercial scale fuel production. Extending this partnership ensures we continue advancing fuel technology that will strengthen America’s nuclear fuel supply chain and support the deployment of next-generation advanced reactors,” he added.
“ORNL’s partnership with TRISO-X demonstrates how national laboratories help accelerate the transition of transformative technologies from research to commercial application,” said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer.
“By combining ORNL’s deep expertise in nuclear materials and fuel development with TRISO-X’s manufacturing capabilities, we are advancing TRISO fuel production in ways that can support the next generation of nuclear energy,” he added.
Key Infrastructure Milestones and Operational Goals
Since launching its pilot facility at ORNL, TRISO-X has achieved several industry milestones, including:
- Securing the first U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Part 70 license issued for a high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel fabrication facility.
- Beginning vertical construction of TX-1, designated as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial TRISO fuel fabrication facility.
- Producing the first commercially fabricated advanced nuclear fuel to undergo irradiation testing at Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor.
