Nuclear reactor module is 3D printed by Florida startup

US nuclear energy start-up Ampera claims it has completed production of its first full-scale, 3D-printed reactor module.

The company is hailing it as a major milestone on its path to developing the world's first subcritical, solid-state, factory-built thorium nuclear reactor.

This first nuclear module unit, which includes the core and pressure vessel, was unveiled at Ampera’s innovation centre in Florida.

Brian Matthews, founder and chief executive of Ampera, said the company’s reactors would be used primarily for AI data centres, defence, industrial and maritime use cases.

Matthews is clear about their mission: "We expect to be the first company to industrialize factory-built nuclear power with near-term deployment timelines."

Ampera’s system utilises a spherical monolithic gyroid core 3D printed with silicon carbide. The unit is designed for up to 30 years of life without refuelling.

The systems are fuelled with tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) thorium kernels and thanks to a newly established Australian subsidiary, the company has secured a thorium supply to support nuclear fuel production.

According to Ampera, their system is built and designed with inherent stability, making them safer. The design also reduces reliance on active systems and operator intervention.

Matthews suggests this technology is truly pioneering: "This next-generation nuclear core and pressure vessel sets the foundation for factory-built, mass-produced nuclear energy.

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“The advanced technology and additive manufacturing used demonstrate a clear commercial path for new nuclear technology coming to market in an accelerated manner," he concluded.

Ampera's nuclear systems are expected to provide up to 30MWe of power, with larger configurations planned.

The company also recently introduced its Integrated Energy Architecture designed to deliver ultra-high-efficiency power generation solutions through waste heat recovery and conventional-fuelled power generation.

They state that these modular, gas-powered systems have two-thirds in common with the nuclear configuration and will leverage proprietary supercritical carbon dioxide technology.