US start-up Terra Innovatum has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Argentina’s Conuar for the supply of critical components to be used in the production of Terra Innovatum’s SOLO micro-modular nuclear reactor.
SOLO is a 4 MWe/20 MWt micro-modular reactor (MMR) designed for applications such as off-grid military complexes. SOLO was conceptualised in 2018 and the design was developed over six years. It will be built from readily available commercial off-the-shelf components simplifying the licensing path to enable rapid deployment, minimising supply chain risks, and ensuring final cost predictability. It is designed to use both low enriched uranium and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). Terra Innovatum anticipates that SOLO will be available globally within the next three years.
Terra Innovatum says SOLO is designed to offer a wide range of versatile applications, including off-grid power solutions for data centres, mini-grids serving remote towns and villages, and large-scale industrial operations. It can also supply heat for industrial applications and other specialised processes. SOLO can easily scale up to deliver 1 GWe or more with a minimal footprint.
Conuar is a leading nuclear development and high-precision technology manufacturer that has been serving the nuclear industry for over 40 years. It specialises in fuel supply and component manufacture and has produced 100% of the nuclear fuel used by Argentina. Conuar produces critical components with specialised engineering, advanced manufacturing, and strict adherence to international standards as well as seamless tubes of high alloys for nuclear industry.
Under the MOU, Terra Innovatum and Conuar will conduct pilot programmes to evaluate the scope and pricing for Conuar to supply coolant tubs and plates, control rod mechanisms, fuel rods, and stainless steel and special alloy components. Additionally, the companies will consider opportunities to develop a manufacturing and assembly hub in South America to increase production capabilities.
“We are excited to partner with Conuar as a key supplier for our first-of-a-kind SOLO and beyond,” said Alessandro Petruzzi, CEO of Terra Innovatum. “With more than 40 years of expertise in fuel production and component manufacturing, Conuar has been central to powering Latin America’s nuclear sector. This partnership not only strengthens SOLO’s global supply chain but also marks a strategic entry into the Latin American market – one of the most important growth regions for the future of nuclear energy.”
Giordano Morichi, Terra Innovatum Partner, Chief Business Development Officer & Investor Relations said Terra Innovatum is propelling the development of a truly global supply chain and deployment strategy for SOLO, ensuring resilience and reach across multiple continents. “With SOLO’s off-grid, behind-the-meter capabilities, we can deliver power directly to communities and industries without requiring large-scale investments in new infrastructure. Together with our industry-leading partners, we are one step closer to realising our mission of expanding energy access worldwide.”
Conuar CEO Rodolfo Kramer said the agreement with Terra Innovatum marks a milestone in international cooperation for the development of advanced nuclear technologies. “The SOLO reactor embodies innovation and the future, and at Conuar, we are proud to contribute our industrial expertise and technical know-how to make it a reality.… We are excited to support their efforts to bring clean, off-grid energy to communities and industries through their promising micro-modular nuclear technology across Latin America.”
Earlier in September Terra Innovatum signed a similar MOU with Italy’s ATB Riva Calzoni, a global supplier and manufacturer of nuclear components. Another MOU was signed in July with US-based TechSource have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to accelerate the commercialisation of the SOLO micro-modular nuclear reactor design. The partnership aims to enhance regulatory progress and expand access to US Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD) programmes.
Terra Innovatum is now seeking a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) deal with GSR III Acquisition Corp, hoping to raise approximately $230m. Giordano Morichi told Business Insider that the company opted to use a SPAC as a more streamlined option than an IPO. Morichi stated that the startup preferred a more controlled fundraising team.
