AMPERA and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory partner on advanced nuclear fuel

AMPERA and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have entered a strategic partnership to develop scalable manufacturing processes for advanced nuclear fuel. The collaboration aims to support the production of Tri-Structural Isotropic (TRISO) fuel, specifically focusing on creating highly uniform, spherical thorium-232 kernels.

The project will utilize and optimize liquid-metal-jetting technology, a droplet-based manufacturing method, to produce these fuel particles. This approach is intended to support a new generation of compact and subcritical nuclear reactor platforms. By leveraging LLNL’s research capabilities and AMPERA’s commercial focus, the partnership seeks to establish a resilient and secure domestic supply chain for advanced nuclear fuel.

The research scope includes computational modeling, materials and nozzle compatibility testing, high-temperature process development, and particle characterization to ensure the process is scalable for future commercial use.