UPDATE: In a landmark achievement for nuclear energy, scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have successfully initiated the full-scale production of enriched fuel salt for the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). This groundbreaking development marks the first-ever production of chloride-based molten salt fuel for a fast reactor, signaling a pivotal moment in the evolution of advanced nuclear technologies.
“This is the first time in history that chloride-based molten salt fuel has been produced for a fast reactor,” stated Bill Phillips, technical lead for salt synthesis at INL. The MCRE project, a collaboration involving Southern Company, TerraPower, CORE POWER, and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), aims to demonstrate the potential of advanced nuclear technologies with a specific focus on maritime applications.
Operations for the MCRE are set to commence as early as 2030, making it the first reactor experiment to be hosted at the new Laboratory for Operation and Testing in the United States (LOTUS), currently under construction by the DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center at INL. The innovative molten salt reactor design allows for liquid fuel—an advantageous shift from traditional solid fuel rods and water coolant systems.
The benefits are significant: higher operating temperatures, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced safety measures. Experts predict that this technology could redefine nuclear power for ships and remote installations, enabling low-maintenance, highly efficient nuclear energy solutions. “The implications for the maritime industry are significant,” emphasized Don Wood, senior technical advisor for MCRE.
“This technology could spark the emergence of a new nuclear sector—mobile, scalable, and globally transformative,” added Mikal Boe, CEO of CORE POWER. He highlighted that substantial private investments from the maritime sector, combined with ongoing DOE funding, will accelerate the MCRE completion timeline, positioning the U.S. merchant shipping fleet to compete vigorously with global leaders like China.
The fuel salt production journey commenced in 2020 with a target to convert 90% of uranium metal into uranium chloride, producing 18 kilograms of fuel salt per batch. Initial attempts yielded only 80% conversion, but by September 2024, the team achieved an impressive 95% conversion rate, demonstrating the capability to produce a batch in as little as one day.
The first production batch was delivered in late September, with plans for four additional batches by March 2026. These efforts align with national objectives to advance nuclear energy, as outlined in a 2025 executive order by former President Donald J. Trump.
“Molten chloride reactors are exciting because they offer the best blend of fuel efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” noted Jacob Yingling, a research scientist for fuel salt synthesis at INL. With the promise of molten chloride reactors becoming clearer, U.S. policy is accelerating to keep pace with this momentum.
“The administration implemented executive orders in May of this year to jumpstart America’s nuclear energy industrial base,” explained Jess Gehin, INL’s Associate Laboratory Director for Nuclear Science & Technology. “These changes have significantly impacted the acceleration of this technology, empowering INL to lead global advancements in molten salt technology.”
As the MCRE progresses, its influence is expected to resonate throughout the broader vision for U.S. nuclear leadership. “This milestone isn’t just about producing fuel—it’s about proving that the U.S. can lead in next-generation nuclear innovation,” asserted James King, MCRE project director. “We’re building the foundation for a more secure energy future, and MCRE is just the beginning.”
Stay tuned for further updates as this revolutionary technology unfolds, potentially reshaping the energy landscape and bolstering U.S. competitiveness in the global nuclear market.
