NuScale Fabricates Boron Pellets, a Component of Its Emergency Core Cooling System for its Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

     Nuclear energy firm NuScale just succeeded in fabricating boron pellets for its emergency core cooling system (ECCS) to be used with its small modular reactors (SMRs). This is an important milestone along the company’s road to commercialization of its SMR technology. NuScale worked with advanced nuclear materials manufacturer MillenniTEK to develop the ECCS. The component provides an added layer of safety in case of reactor overheating. The ECCS system is designed to respond automatically. If activated:

“…the boron-oxide material dissolves into the reactor coolant, helping control the reactor’s core reactivity and keep it within safe limits.”

     According to Interesting Engineering:

“NuScale says the manufacturing milestone also helps establish the supply chain and production capabilities needed to build components for its planned reactor deployments. The company is developing its technology for applications ranging from electricity generation to data centers and industrial heat.”

     Boron is able to absorb neutrons and can reduce the number of neutrons available to sustain the reaction, resulting in cooling the overheating reactor.

“This first-of-a-kind fabrication milestone demonstrates MillenniTEK’s ability to support the advanced manufacturing needs of next-generation nuclear technologies,” said Steve Getley, MillenniTEK President.

“For NuScale, the work is also about demonstrating that specialized reactor components can be manufactured at the quality and consistency required for commercial nuclear projects.”

“NuScale’s technology is built on a commitment to safety, simplicity, and deployability, and this milestone reflects the continued progress we are making to prepare our technology and supply chain for commercial deployment in the near-term,” said John Hopkins, NuScale President and Chief Executive Officer.

     NuScale’s pressurized water reactor design is the only SMR design that has received design certification from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Along with electricity generation for the power grid, the reactors could power data centers, district heating, desalination, and hydrogen production.

     The successful fabrication overcomes one of the new technology’s challenges: manufacturing needed components.

“The company {MillenniTEK} manufactures technical ceramic components by converting powdered materials into solid parts and also develops prototype components for SMR, microreactor, and space reactor applications.”

“The first boron-oxide pellets therefore represent more than a single component entering production. They are part of NuScale’s effort to establish repeatable manufacturing processes and a supply chain capable of supporting its reactors as it moves toward commercial customers.”

References:

 

First-of-a-kind boron-based component adds a safety layer to 77 MW small reactor. Neetika Walter. Interesting Engineering. September 1, 2026. First-of-a-kind boron-based component adds a safety layer to 77 MW small reactor