BWXT unveils new advanced fuel subsidiary

BWX Technologies has formed a new subsidiary, BWXT Advanced Fuels, dedicated to the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuel, the company announced Aug. 21.

The new subsidiary will pursue partnerships to deliver commercial nuclear fuel for upcoming advanced nuclear reactors, BWXT said in its Aug. 21 press release.

BWXT Advanced Fuels will focus on guaranteeing the availability of BWXT-made nuclear fuel on a commercial scale by using its experience manufacturing Tri-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) fuel at its Lynchburg, Va. facility, BWXT said.

TRISO fuel consists of tiny particles, each containing a uranium kernel encapsulated in multiple layers of carbon and ceramic-based materials.

The advanced fuel subsidiary will be led by BWXT senior director Josh Parker. In the previous five years, Parker served as director of business development for BWXT Advanced Technologies. Parker also has more than two decades working with light water reactor fuels, BWXT said.

“Our team is working right now to deliver the fuel for the first advanced reactors as well as optimizing the TRISO manufacturing process for the future to ensure that we can successfully drive down costs to meet the demand of industry and energy end-users,” said Parker in the press release.

In an effort to meet its goals, BWXT said it is enhancing its manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demands. The company will also look to expand its TRISO production capability by establishing a new greenfield TRISO fabrication facility.

The company recently completed the design and manufacture of TRISO fuel for the Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office’s Pele program. Pele is a 1.5-megawatt gas-cooled transportable microreactor.