Blykalla and newcleo have signed an agreement for the joint research and development of materials for lead-cooled fast reactors (LFRs). The partnership entails the exchange of materials, results, and associated data to assist the respective R&D programmes of each party. By combining findings from their individual R&D programmes as well as industrialisation processes, the parties can work toward expediting the commercialisation of LFR technology crucial for Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.
Based on decades of research on metallurgy and the development of proprietary IP, Blykalla’s advancements in material sciences provide a foundation for the safe and efficient operation of lead-cooled reactors. newcleo’s advanced materials knowledge, R&D programmes, and laboratories can support the testing, industrialisation, and qualification of such materials. By collaborating, Blykalla and newcleo will have access to each other’s research facilities and expert personnel, facilitating the exchange of materials, testing results, and data. This collaboration will enable both companies to enhance material solutions, ensuring the reliability and longevity of next-generation nuclear reactors.
This arrangement also serves the purpose of supporting the optimisation of supply chains in line with the goals of the EU SMR Alliance, facilitating cross-border knowledge exchange in the licensing process for each party’s reactor technologies. Both companies are already collaborating in their respective working groups on topics of mutual interest.
Stefano Buono, CEO of newcleo, commented: “I am particularly happy to reinforce our partnership with Blykalla, because founders from both companies pioneered the field of lead-cooled fast reactors research since the nineties and have a long history of collaborative work. All SMR and AMR developers are working to ambitious timelines to bring our respective projects online and start generating the low-carbon electricity so crucial to delivering the energy transition. This type of collaboration is designed to share knowledge which will help each party accelerate their development programmes, in service not only of our respective projects but for the new nuclear sector as a whole. When the need is urgent and time is short, collaboration is key, and I’m delighted that newcleo and Blykalla can support each other in achieving our common goal.”
Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, stated: “Both our companies recognise the urgency for developing sustainable energy to achieve decarbonisation, and LFR technology offers a pathway to do so. By combining our extensive expertise in corrosion-resistant materials with newcleo’s industrial capabilities, we are positioned to advance the commercialisation of lead-cooled reactor technology. This partnership not only enhances our technological development but also exemplifies the collaborative spirit needed to address the pressing challenges of energy security and climate change.”
The scope of this agreement will allow Blykalla and newcleo to support each other in developing their material solutions and testing services. The exchange of services and information relating to this collaboration will not be used for commercial purposes, or the development of any new technology outside of this agreement. Each party’s background intellectual property will remain their own, allowing for both newcleo and Blykalla to develop their own LFR solutions to add to the wealth of new nuclear technologies in development that will play a leading role in global decarbonisation.
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