Two companies will explore use of advanced electron beam welding to manufacture critical components for ODIN micro-reactor project
Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambridge Atomworks – the ambitious nuclear engineering start-up focused on delivering a nuclear micro-reactor built in the UK.
As Cambridge Atomworks works to create a micro, transportable nuclear fission reactor for use in off-grid applications, the two companies will explore how best to leverage CVE’s expertise in electron beam (EB) welding; including the company’s Ebflow technology, which is proven to dramatically accelerate the production of critical nuclear power components including reactor vessels and internals.
Cambridge Atomworks is aiming to have an operational prototype of its ODIN reactor by 2031 and plans to be a trusted global supplier of clean, sustainable energy to off-grid customers by the mid-2030s. The ODIN low-pressure reactor uses solid nuclear fuel and molten salt coolant and is designed as a transportable, standalone power system. Manufactured largely off-site and deployed with minimal supporting infrastructure, potential applications for ODIN include mining operations, remote and island communities, developing markets and other off-grid industrial users where reliable power can otherwise be expensive or logistically difficult to provide.
Ian Farnan, CEO at Cambridge Atomworks, said:
“Building the next generation of nuclear technology in the UK requires us to combine our innovative reactor design with world-class manufacturing capabilities. Our agreement with CVE is an important step in developing the supply chain and manufacturing approach needed to make our micro-reactor technology a reality. Electron beam welding has the potential to transform how key reactor components are manufactured. As we move towards deployment, we are delighted to be working with CVE to explore what its Ebflow technology can deliver.”
Chris Punshon, Director of R&D and Applications at CVE, said:
“Electron beam welding can significantly reduce welding times, improve manufacturing repeatability, reduce distortion and support highly automated production processes in nuclear power projects. The benefits of our Ebflow technology to the manufacture of large-scale nuclear pressure vessels and other pieces of energy infrastructure is already proven. Our work with Cambridge Atomworks will examine how these capabilities can be applied to its ODIN micro-reactor manufacturing strategy while meeting the stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements of the nuclear sector.
“This is an exciting opportunity for both companies. Working together at this critical stage of Cambridge Atomworks’ programme, we have an opportunity to demonstrate how UK engineering expertise can make a lasting contribution to a competitive global nuclear industry looking to shorten project delivery timescales for both large and small-scale clean energy projects.”
The MoU between CVE and Cambridge Atomworks reflects both companies’ commitment to strengthening the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain and developing the advanced manufacturing capabilities needed to support the next generation of nuclear energy.
