• USNC unveils a groundbreaking update to the Modular Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMR) reactor, making it versatile and capable of using different enriched uranium fuels.
• Breakthrough technologies in 3-D printing and advanced manufacturing enable the production of Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM) fuel, increasing MMR’s power output and efficiency.
• The MMR’s adaptability, standardized design, and strategic deployment projects position it as a leading solution for meeting modern energy demands while reducing environmental impact.

Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) has introduced a groundbreaking update to their Modular Multi Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMR) reactor, revolutionizing the landscape of nuclear power in the modern era.

Previously known as a 15 MW thermal, 5 MW electrical high-temperature gas-cooled reactor, the MMR has undergone a remarkable transformation. It now offers the flexibility to operate with either high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel enriched to 19.75% or low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel enriched to 9.9%. This newfound versatility enables the reactor to function at various power levels, ranging from an impressive 10 MWt (3.3 MWe) to 45 MWt (15 MWe). This adaptability allows the MMR to serve a diverse range of customers while maintaining a standardized design.

USNC’s innovation rests on the successful demonstration of cutting-edge technologies, such as 3-D printing and advanced manufacturing for their patented Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM) fuel. The FCM fuel pellets encase TRISO particles in silicon carbide, ensuring that the helium coolant remains free from contamination. This advancement significantly reduces thermal stresses on the fuel, thereby achieving higher output temperatures and increased power efficiency for the MMR.

Dan Stout, USNC’s Chief Nuclear Officer, emphasized the company’s responsiveness to customer and investor feedback. Driven by the need for a more versatile design capable of meeting higher heat and power demands while catering to remote applications, USNC invested in these game-changing upgrades.

The MMR’s future potential in the nuclear energy landscape is undeniably promising. USNC’s strategic deployment projects at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Chalk River site in Ontario, Canada, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the USA exemplify the company’s commitment to developing and validating this advanced reactor technology.

In an age where sustainability and clean energy solutions are paramount, the MMR shines as an exemplary model of modern nuclear reactor design. USNC’s dedication to creating a reactor that is adaptable, efficient, and reliable underscores the pivotal role of nuclear power in meeting the world’s ever-growing energy demands while mitigating environmental impact. With this groundbreaking advancement, USNC is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of nuclear power technology, ushering in a new era of safe, sustainable, and versatile nuclear energy solutions.