U.S. regulators said Monday that four U.S. electric utility companies, representing close to 50 percent of the country’s nuclear generation, have formally requested a review, by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, of Lightbridge Corporation metallic fuel design, which might be available for testing in pressurized water reactors in five years.
A joint letter to the NRC from nuclear fuel managers at Dominion Generation, Duke Energy, Exelon Generation and Southern Company, which comprise the Nuclear Utility Fuel Advisory Board (NUFAB), advised the regulator that it could expect an application from Lightbridge in 2017 for use of fuel lead test assemblies in a U.S. pressurized water reactor as early as 2020.
The Commission posted the utilities' expression of interest in Lightbridge's fuel and supporting documents on its official web site.
Lightbridge President and Chief Executive Officer Seth Grae expressed his confidence in the new metallic fuel design. In a statement, Lightbridge posted bullet points:
- A 1,000°C reduction in average fuel operating temperature, compared to conventional uranium dioxide pellet fuel, resulting in dramatic safety improvements;
- Improved heat transfer and fluid flow, increased structural strength, and improved performance during transients and accidents;
- 10% more power and longer fuel cycles or up to 17% more power with the same fuel cycle length for existing pressurized water reactors (PWRs);
- Up to 30% more power with the same fuel cycle length for new build PWRs;
- Increased revenue and improved profit margins for existing nuclear power units;
- Lower total levelized cost per kilowatt-hour for new build reactors;
- Increased competitiveness of nuclear power versus fossil or renewable energy sources;
The commercial nuclear energy industry is projected to grow rapidly at a time of rising global demand for reliable, carbon-free, base load electric power. There are currently 437 operable civil nuclear reactors in 30 countries around the world, with 65 reactors under construction and 481 on order, planned or proposed, according to the World Nuclear Association. By 2040, the International Energy Agency projects a 58 percent increase in nuclear capacity from a combination of power up-rates and reactor construction, the company said.