US nuclear fuel technology company Lightbridge Corporation says it expects to benefit from a new testing method developed by Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This pioneering method, known as the Fission Accelerated Steady-state Test (FAST), utilises increased enrichment levels to expedite the irradiation testing of fuel samples in its Advanced Test Reactor (ATR).
Use of highly enriched uranium (HEU) in private sector fuel testing is not usual. HEU (uranium enriched to at least 20% uranium-235) is tightly controlled and legally accessible only through government-operated facilities. Enrichments in the 26-30% range for each set of Lightbridge coupon samples were selected to yield the required linear heat generation rates based on the specific core position within the ATR.
The planned irradiation testing programme, along with post-irradiation examination activities (the scope of which will be detailed in a future Project Task Statement), is aimed at generating critical irradiation performance data for Lightbridge’s advanced fuel. This data will play a key role in supporting regulatory licensing through the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Lightbridge expects this data to contribute to streamlined, expedited licensing under the US ADVANCE Act. The company also expects to share this data with utilities to assist in their analyses of Lightbridge Fuel for use in commercial NPPs.
Lightbridge CEO Seth Grae said: “We are grateful to the US Department of Energy (DOE) for providing the HEU and to INL and DOE for enabling Lightbridge fuel material samples to be tested using this innovative FAST method. It reflects the importance of strong public-private partnerships in advancing clean energy technologies. This is an excellent example of the US government using its advanced technologies and resources, particularly HEU and the ATR, to support commercialisation of advanced nuclear fuel technologies potentially on accelerated timelines.”
Dr Scott Holcombe, Lightbridge Vice President of Engineering, noted: “Lightbridge is thrilled to benefit from the FAST method at INL. This advanced technique enables achieving burnup targets faster than using conventional testing methods, which means we can acquire necessary performance data in an accelerated time frame.”
This work is conducted under an existing Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) between Lightbridge and INL.
