Saint John, New Brunswick (Monday, October 30, 2023) – Moltex Energy Canada Inc. (Moltex), a leading developer of advanced nuclear solutions, is thrilled to announce a significant breakthrough in its waste recycling program. Following rigorous experiments conducted at its state-of-the-art, uranium-licensed laboratory, the company has substantially derisked its innovative WAste To Stable Salt (WATSS) process.
Rory O’Sullivan, CEO, Moltex, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “These important experiments not only demonstrate the viability of our waste recycling technology but also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to developing clean energy solutions that combat climate change.”
The experiments were carried out using simfuel (simulated fuel) made of uranium dioxide and cerium oxide proportional to levels found in spent nuclear fuel. The use of cerium oxide as an analogue to transuranic oxides is supported by literature and thermodynamic modelling.
Building on the success of these experiments, Moltex has embarked on the next phase of its research journey by initiating experiments using real spent CANDU fuel in secure hot cells at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. These real spent fuel experiments are currently ongoing and expected to provide valuable insights.
In parallel, Moltex is engaged in discussions with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to formalize a service agreement to help facilitate a bilateral dialogue on its spent fuel recycling design. This effort underscores Moltex’s commitment to transparency, safety, and regulatory compliance while protecting its intellectual property.
Moltex’s innovative nuclear reactor is designed to use recycled nuclear waste as fuel. This approach not only significantly reduces the volume of high-level waste but also eliminates material that could be used for weapons production, thus serving as a crucial safeguard against future malicious actors.
The company’s nuclear reactor has reached a technology readiness level that inspires confidence in its feasibility and economic viability, allowing the technical team to reallocate resources toward the optimization of the WATSS process. This strategic refocus is supported by Moltex partners AtkinsRéalis and IDOM, as well as enthusiastic customers and investors who recognize the importance of safe and affordable waste recycling in the nuclear sector.
Waste recycling is poised to be a game-changer in the nuclear industry, offering a cost-effective and socially acceptable solution to reducing global waste stockpiles prior to final disposal. With NB Power planning to deploy the first-of-a-kind WATSS unit at the Point Lepreau site, Moltex is well-positioned to revolutionize the nuclear landscape.
Media contact:
Aleisha Bosch
Moltex
aleisha.bosch@moltexenergy.com
About Moltex:
Moltex is a nuclear technology leader that has caught the attention of governments, utilities and investors worldwide. It is developing three unique technologies: a Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W) that uses recycled nuclear waste as fuel; a WAste To Stable Salt (WATSS) process for recycling nuclear waste to produce SSR-W fuel; and GridReserve thermal energy storage tanks, enabling the SSR-W to act as a peaking plant. Moltex was selected by NB Power to progress development of its reactor technology in New Brunswick, Canada, with the goal of deploying first-of-a-kind SSR-W, WATSS and GridReserve units at the Point Lepreau site.
