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Kärnfull Next partners in major Gen IV nuclear energy project

KNXT is proud to announce its role as the commercial partner in a groundbreaking initiative to develop a next-generation Gen IV nuclear power system.

 

This ambitious project, led by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, has received a SEK 50 million grant from the Swedish Energy Agency, marking one of the authority's largest investments to date in the future of nuclear energy.

WHAT?

Press Release

WHEN?

16 May 2024

50 million SEK grant from Swedish Energy Agency to Gen-IV

Christian Ekberg.jpg

Kärnfull Next is proud to announce its role as the commercial partner in a groundbreaking initiative to develop a next-generation Gen IV nuclear power system. This ambitious project, led by researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, has received a SEK 50 million grant from the Swedish Energy Agency, marking one of the authority's largest investments to date in the future of nuclear energy.

 

Gen IV nuclear technology holds the promise of revolutionizing the energy sector by significantly reducing long-lived radioactive waste and minimizing the need for new uranium mining. By reusing spent nuclear fuel, Gen IV systems could provide sustainable and abundant energy with a reduced environmental footprint.
 

Driving Innovation and Sustainability


Kärnfull Next's involvement underscores our commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in the nuclear energy sector. As the commercial partner in the MUST project, the company brings a commercial perspective and expertise that bridges cutting-edge research and practical, scalable solutions for the energy market.
 

"Our participation in this project aligns perfectly with Kärnfull Next's mission to foster technological advancements and ensure the long-term viability of nuclear power," said John Ahlberg, Chief Strategy Officer of Kärnfull Next.

"We believe in the transformative potential of Gen IV technology to deliver clean, safe, and reliable energy, and we are excited to contribute to this pioneering effort."

 

A Holistic Approach to Competence and Leadership
 

The project not only focuses on technological development but also addresses the critical need for education and know-how development in nuclear and radiation sciences. By engaging younger researchers and allocating significant resources for the education and mentorship of doctoral students, the initiative helps to rejuvenate Sweden's expertise in nuclear technology.
 

Kärnfull Next will play a key role in ensuring the practical application of research outcomes, providing a case study for Gen IV implementation. The company’s collaboration with esteemed institutions like Chalmers University of Technology, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University of Gothenburg, Uppsala University, and Lund University will help bolster Sweden's position as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy.
 

Advancing Sweden's Nuclear Future
 

The multidisciplinary approach of the MUST project, encompassing technologies for fuel recovery, new manufacturing processes, and advanced radiation protection strategies, will strengthen existing research centers ANITA and SOLSTICE. This collaborative effort is set to provide invaluable insights into the feasibility and benefits of Gen IV systems, positioning Sweden at the forefront of nuclear innovation.
 

"We are thrilled to be part of a project that not only advances nuclear technology but also nurtures the next generation of leaders in this field," added John Ahlberg.

"Kärnfull Next is dedicated to supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future, and our involvement in this Gen IV initiative is a testament to our long-term vision and complements our day-to-day activities of prospecting for new Swedish SMR Campuses.”

IN DEPTH

Read more or reach out

The MUST (Multidisciplinary Commitments for Sweden's Gen-IV Technology and Expertise) project includes researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University of GothenburgUppsala University and Lund University.

It will strengthen the already existing research centers in nuclear science in Sweden - ANITA and SOLSTICE - with a clear focus on sustainable electricity production and resource use in the Gen IV system.

Technologies for fuel recovery and new manufacturing, radiation protection strategies and monitoring of reactors are being developed. The results will provide valuable input for a case study for Gen IV by the company Kärnfull Next.

 
FURTHER QUESTIONS?

John Ahlberg, CSO Kärnfull Next | john.ahlberg@knxt.se | +46 790 175 155​​

Prof. Christian Ekberg, Chalmers | che@chalmers.se | +46 31 772 28 01

The images show a nuclear fuel system from start to finish, in a lab environment. The start is the green liquid to the left, which is a concentrated solution of the substance that will be used to make the fuel, the picture in the middle shows how balls of uranium fall into a silicone-oil column, to the far right is the final product, the nuclear fuel in pellet form.  In the Gen IV system, this process becomes a circular system and large parts of the nuclear fuel on the right restart as concentrated liquid on the left.

A nuclear fuel system from start to finish, in a lab environment: The start is the green liquid to the left, which is a concentrated solution of the substance that will be used to make the fuel, the picture in the middle shows how balls of uranium fall into a silicone-oil column, to the far right is the final product, the nuclear fuel in pellet form. In the Gen IV system, this process becomes a circular system and large parts of the nuclear fuel on the right restart as concentrated liquid on the left.

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