A European project is bringing back an old but promising idea. By harnessing the remaining energy potential in nuclear fuel, a start-up aims to turn a major problem into a sustainable solution. The company relies on a revamped nuclear technology capable of changing the game.
Why nuclear fuel still contains 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 intact. This situation paves the way for an underutilized energy valorization that is largely overlooked today. Several analyses, as reported by energy-focused publications, reveal that this fuel still contains up to 90% of its initial energy. This fact, often unknown to the public, is a major scientific lever for rethinking the nuclear cycle. For decades, researchers have been studying these materials in international experimental programs. Their work shows that these materials can be reused in suitable systems. This idea is not new and is now experiencing a global resurgence driven by climate issues.
How molten salt reactors could revolutionize nuclear energy production: Molten salt reactors operate on a different principle than conventional power plants. Engineers dissolve the fuel in a high-temperature liquid, improving heat transfer and ensuring increased thermal stability of the system. These reactors work at atmospheric pressure, reducing mechanical constraints and improving overall safety levels by mitigating risks associated with overpressure. In case of a problem, the liquid fuel solidifies quickly, trapping radioactive elements and preventing their dispersion. This provides a credible technical solution to historical concerns related to nuclear accidents.
The European industrial project that combines thorium and waste to produce up to 100 MW: “Thorizon,” a French-Dutch start-up, is developing a next-generation reactor capable of harnessing this spent fuel. The concept involves an innovative blend of nuclear waste and thorium, a metal with recognized energy potential. This device could reach approximately 100 MW, enough to power nearly 100,000 homes. This performance places this model among small modular reactors, considered a flexible solution for the energy transition. Specialized scientific platforms have highlighted recent studies on this topic, emphasizing the potential of this hybrid approach. Researchers regularly study thorium for its favorable properties in terms of safety and efficiency.
A system of modular cartridges to simplify fuel security and management: This model does not require a massive vessel like traditional reactors; instead, it relies on replaceable cartridges. This system allows for easier fuel handling and reduces human interventions thanks to an innovative modular architecture. This architecture minimizes risks associated with maintenance operations and confines radioactive elements in independent units. It enhances fuel cycle management and strengthens installation safety. Moreover, this approach improves industrial adaptability by enabling teams to replace modules without completely shutting down the system, optimizing energy production and reducing logistical constraints.
