NuScale and MillenniTEK Produce First Boron-Oxide Pellets for SMR Safety System
Event summary
- NuScale and MillenniTEK fabricated first-of-a-kind boron-oxide pellets for NuScale’s passive emergency core cooling system (ECCS).
- The pellets are designed to dissolve into reactor coolant to control core reactivity without operator intervention.
- NuScale remains the only SMR technology with U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approval.
- MillenniTEK achieved yields greater than 95% in production, supporting advanced nuclear manufacturing needs.
The big picture
NuScale’s collaboration with MillenniTEK underscores the critical role of advanced manufacturing in deploying next-generation nuclear technologies. As the only SMR with NRC approval, NuScale is positioning itself to lead the market for carbon-free energy solutions. The successful fabrication of boron-oxide pellets marks a key step in NuScale’s strategy to build a robust supply chain and manufacturing capability ahead of commercial deployments.
What we're watching
- Commercialization Timing
- How NuScale’s progress toward commercialization will impact its first customer deployments.
- Supply Chain Maturation
- Whether NuScale can sustain manufacturing readiness and supply chain development for large-scale deployments.
- Regulatory Dynamics
- The pace at which NuScale can secure additional regulatory approvals internationally.