DEMCON, Thorizon and VDL Groep want to jointly achieve a breakthrough in the development of small modular reactors (Small Modular Reactors / SMRs). The parties focus specifically on molten-salt reactors. In a joint project, the parties want to demonstrate and validate the manufacturability, safety and functionality of critical components and non-nuclear (sub)systems of these reactors. To this end, the parties will set up a state-of-the-art test facility.
The three parties announce that they signed an agreement in December. The parties announced back in October during a visit by Minister Sophie Hermans (Climate and Green Growth) to DIFFER, a research institute in Eindhoven, to join forces around molten-salt reactors. During this visit, the parties signed a declaration of intent with DIFFER to accelerate the development of SMR technology in the Netherlands. In addition, the parties submitted a grant application to the province of North Brabant in early December.
Modular reactor core with interchangeable cartridges
The parties are targeting the development of a molten-salt reactor, a concept already demonstrated in the US in the 1960s. To date, however, it has not been possible to make these reactors commercially viable. Thorizon wants to change this, betting on a modular reactor core equipped with interchangeable cartridges filled with molten-salt fuel. With this, the company aims to overcome traditional challenges such as corrosion and transportation.
Thorizon One is a molten-salt reactor being developed by Thorizon. This reactor should be able to provide 250 MW of industrial heat at a temperature of 550 °C. This heat can be used directly for industrial processes, for example in the chemical industry or for hydrogen production. In addition, the heat can be converted into about 100 MW of electricity, which is enough to power 250,000 households.
The molten-salt reactor can also serve as an energy storage system. This offers the possibility of storing between 50 and 300 MW of energy during periods of low demand, which is then available during peak times. Read more about the Thorizon One in an earlier article on Maakindustrie Nieuws.
Increasing focus on SMRs
The focus on SMRs has been increasing recently. For instance, tech giants such as Amazon, Google and Meta announced their commitment to SMRs to meet the growing energy needs of AI data centres. This energy demand is high due to the huge amount of computing power required by AI applications. Combined with constraints on the power grid, including due to the grid's transition to more renewable energy sources, this poses challenges. These challenges the tech giants want to overcome with the help of SMRs.
Nuclear power also has an important role to play in the Dutch government's plans around the future energy mix. For instance, the Netherlands wants to produce CO2-neutral electricity by 2040. To this end, the government is betting on nuclear energy, among other things. It wants to build two new nuclear power plants and keep the existing nuclear power plant in Borssele open longer.
From large-scale facilities to small modular reactors
Historically, nuclear power plants have been large-scale facilities. However, according to DEMCON, Thorizon and VDL Groep, the future lies precisely with small modular reactors, built from individually produced components in series production. The parties point to this as a unique opportunity for the Dutch high-tech manufacturing industry. Thanks to extensive expertise in, for instance, supply chain management for the semiconductor industry, the Dutch manufacturing industry can play a crucial role in developing and producing advanced components and (sub)systems for nuclear applications.
"For Thorizon, this is a unique opportunity," says Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon. "Companies like VDL and DEMCON have unrivalled experience in realising high-tech projects, from concept to prototype and serial production. During our collaboration with DIFFER, we have seen that Brabant offers world-class knowledge and facilities and can move quickly. With these partners, we share an ambitious and pragmatic mentality that is crucial for our development and successful cooperation."
Among other things, the parties aim to develop several prototype components and a test facility in North Brabant over the next two and a half years.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
