A European project brings back an old but promising idea into the spotlight. By harnessing the remaining energy potential in nuclear fuel waste, a start-up aims to transform a major problem into a sustainable solution. It relies on a reimagined nuclear technology capable of changing the game.
Why nuclear fuel waste still contains a largely untapped energy In current power plants, operators remove nuclear fuel long before it releases all its power. However, a significant portion of its potential remains unused. This situation paves the way for an underexploited energy valorization today.
According to several analyses reported by energy specialized publications, this fuel still contains up to 90% of its initial energy. Yet, the general public often overlooks this fact. Nevertheless, it represents a major scientific lever to rethink the nuclear cycle.
For decades, researchers have been studying these materials in international experimental programs. Their work demonstrates the potential for reuse in suitable systems. This idea is not new and is currently experiencing a global resurgence driven by climate concerns.
How molten salt reactors could revolutionize nuclear energy production Molten salt reactors operate on a different principle than traditional power plants. Specifically, engineers dissolve the fuel in a high-temperature liquid, improving heat circulation and ensuring increased thermal stability of the system.
These reactors work at atmospheric pressure, reducing mechanical constraints and improving the overall safety level while limiting risks related to overpressure. In case of a problem, the liquid fuel solidifies quickly, trapping radioactive elements and preventing their dispersion, offering a credible technical response to historical concerns related to nuclear accidents.
European industrial project combining thorium and waste to produce up to 100 MW Thorizon, a French-Dutch start-up, is developing a next-generation reactor capable of utilizing this waste fuel. The concept relies on an innovative blend of nuclear waste and thorium, a metal with recognized energy potential.
This system could reach around 100 MW, potentially powering close to 100,000 homes. This performance positions this model among small modular reactors, often seen as a flexible solution for energy transition.
Scientific platforms are relaying recent studies on this subject, highlighting the potential of this hybrid approach. Researchers regularly study thorium for its favorable properties in terms of safety and efficiency.
A modular cartridge system to simplify fuel safety and management This model does not require massive containment vessels like traditional reactors, relying instead on replaceable cartridges for easier fuel handling. This system reduces human interventions and enhances fuel cycle management while reinforcing the security of installations.
Moreover, this architecture minimizes risks associated with maintenance operations, containing radioactive elements in independent units. It improves fuel cycle management, strengthens installation security, and enhances industrial adaptability by allowing teams to replace modules without completely halting the system, optimizing energy production and reducing logistical constraints.
