The Franco-Dutch nuclear energy startup Thorizon and French energy storage innovator Storabelle have joined forces to advance the development of flexible, carbon-free energy solutions powered by molten salt technology. Storabelle brings an innovative thermal energy storage solution, while Thorizon is designing a next-generation small modular reactor (SMR).

As ambitious start-ups supported by the France 2030 grant programme, Thorizon and Storabelle are also collaborating France’s Atomic Energy Commission (CEA – Commissariat à l’énergie Atomique et aux énergies Alternatives).

Thorizon, a spin-off from NRG, is developing a “walk-away safe” molten salt reactor that uses long-lived nuclear waste as. The company is working on reactor design and system prototypes, with plans to begin constructing its first reactor, Thorizon One, around 2030. Thorizon is also collaborating with Orano, Tractebel, VDL, and EDF.

Storabelle pioneers long-duration thermal energy storage, transforming surplus renewable electricity into carbon-free heat and power using molten salts and Carnot battery technology. Storabelle is committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of industrial heat worldwide by replacing fossil-fuel boilers.

As part of their collaboration, Thorizon and Storabelle will:

  • Develop an integrated market offering and joint approach for industrial energy users.
  • Collaborate on designing the conventional plant infrastructure, including a salt-to-salt heat exchanger and flexible power output solutions.
  • Define a compelling customer value proposition and business case for flexible energy solutions.
  • Explore joint efforts in developing a molten salt test loop to advance technology readiness.

Frédéric Pierucci, Co-founder of Storabelle, said he looked forward to developing “a shared proposition centred around molten salt technology. “This European collaboration expands our reach to industrial energy consumers. The Netherlands, with its strong reliance on renewables, presents a particularly promising market for our flexible energy storage solutions.”

Laure Claquin, COO of Thorizon, noted: “Through our engagements with industrial end-users and utilities, we recognise a strong demand for flexible power solutions. By integrating our molten salt reactor technology with Storabelle’s energy storage, we can deliver a highly competitive and scalable solution to meet evolving energy needs.”