popular articles

Blykalla launches an electric SMR prototype in Sweden

Swedish developer Blykalla has begun construction of a pilot facility to test a prototype of an advanced modular reactor. This project aims to validate key components and safety systems, with the support of industrial partners and public funding.

Please share:

Swedish developer Blykalla has taken a significant step in nuclear innovation with the launch of a pilot site dedicated to its advanced modular reactor prototype. Located near Oskarshamn, this technological trial aims to demonstrate the feasibility of its SEALER-E concept, an electric reactor based on lead-cooled technology.

A project supported by industrial and institutional players

The project brings together several industrial partners, including Uniper, ABB, and NCC, as well as the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The construction of the facility has been entrusted to NCC AB, which will handle site preparation and necessary infrastructure. Additionally, the Swedish Energy Agency has allocated a grant of SEK 99 million (approximately USD 9.3 million) to support the initiative.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Ebba Busch. The project illustrates the country’s commitment to strengthening its expertise in advanced reactors and diversifying its energy approach through innovative technologies.

A testing phase planned for late 2025

The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by June 2025, with testing scheduled to begin during the third quarter of the same year. This pilot site will be used to test critical components and safety systems before moving to a larger-scale development phase.

Blykalla, formerly known as LeadCold, emerged from research conducted since 1996 at KTH on lead-cooled reactors. Founded in 2013, the company is developing SEALER technology, with the goal of commissioning its first commercial SEALER-55 reactor by the early 2030s.

Towards the expansion of SEALER technology

The prototype currently being tested is expected to pave the way for a demonstration version, SEALER-D, with a thermal power output of 80 MW. Like Blykalla’s future commercial reactors, this facility will use approximately 800 tonnes of liquid lead to cool its fuel rods. With a height and diameter of about five meters, the concept is designed for long-term optimized operation.

The target for 2030 is to commission a commercial SEALER-55 reactor with a thermal power output of 140 MW. If ongoing tests prove successful, this technology could represent a significant advancement in the field of advanced modular reactors.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The suspension of the nuclear contract between KHNP and the Czech Republic has triggered intense reactions in South Korea, where the company and authorities express dissatisfaction with European legal and regulatory obstacles.
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
Facing growing energy demands, Indonesia has announced an ambitious nuclear program targeting 10 GW capacity by 2040, attracting interest from global industry giants to support this strategic shift towards a low-carbon economy.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.
The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the Velvet-Wood site, the first mining project to benefit from an expedited environmental procedure aimed at strengthening national mineral security.
Blue Sky Uranium’s Ivana mining project in Argentina could begin production within three years, backed by an initial $35mn investment and an annual output capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium.
Blue Sky Uranium’s Ivana mining project in Argentina could begin production within three years, backed by an initial $35mn investment and an annual output capacity of 1.5 million pounds of uranium.
The German government expresses openness toward French nuclear energy, promising a technologically neutral approach despite internal divisions over recognizing nuclear as a sustainable energy within the European Union.
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
Donald Trump announces four executive orders to quadruple U.S. nuclear energy production within 25 years, radically accelerate regulatory approvals, secure enriched uranium supplies, and address the surging energy demands linked to artificial intelligence.
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.
Tennessee Valley Authority becomes the first US public utility to apply for a permit to build a BWRX-300 small modular reactor, with site works anticipated as early as 2026 at Clinch River.
India’s nuclear regulator has approved the siting of the Mahi Banswara project, which includes four 700 MWe PHWR reactors, reinforcing the country’s strategy of fleet-based deployment.
India’s nuclear regulator has approved the siting of the Mahi Banswara project, which includes four 700 MWe PHWR reactors, reinforcing the country’s strategy of fleet-based deployment.
Emmanuel Macron is visiting Vietnam as the country expands its nuclear partnerships, signing today an agreement with the American company Westinghouse, following recent cooperation with Russia, intensifying competition in this strategic market.
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
Westinghouse has signed seven new agreements with Bulgarian suppliers to support the construction of two AP1000 reactors at the Kozloduy nuclear power plant, further expanding its local industrial footprint.
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
The Maanshan 2 reactor has been permanently disconnected from the grid, marking the end of nuclear operations in Taiwan in line with the national phase-out legislation.
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
Several parties are positioning to acquire French company Orano’s mining sites in Niger, while the firm pursues international arbitration to protect its assets and nearly €250mn in blocked uranium concentrate.
Energy group Enel partners with Ansaldo and Leonardo to form Nuclitalia, a joint venture focused on developing small modular reactor technologies as Italy considers a return to civilian nuclear power.
US-based Space Nuclear Power Corporation has been selected to design a fission reactor for nuclear electric propulsion in future military and civilian spacecraft.
US-based Space Nuclear Power Corporation has been selected to design a fission reactor for nuclear electric propulsion in future military and civilian spacecraft.
The small modular reactor (SMR) pipeline increased by 42% in Q1 2025, reaching 47 GW, driven by the growing demand from data centres, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie.
The small modular reactor (SMR) pipeline increased by 42% in Q1 2025, reaching 47 GW, driven by the growing demand from data centres, according to a report from Wood Mackenzie.
EDF and Siparex are mobilising a new €300 million investment fund to strengthen strategic companies in the nuclear supply chain amid industrial revival driven by the EPR2 reactor programme.
EDF and Siparex are mobilising a new €300 million investment fund to strengthen strategic companies in the nuclear supply chain amid industrial revival driven by the EPR2 reactor programme.
Aecon Kiewit Nuclear Partners will lead construction of North America’s first grid-scale small modular reactor, with commercial operation expected in 2030.
Russia and Vietnam have signed a nuclear roadmap aimed at strengthening technological cooperation, including a commercial nuclear plant and a scientific centre by 2030.
Russia and Vietnam have signed a nuclear roadmap aimed at strengthening technological cooperation, including a commercial nuclear plant and a scientific centre by 2030.
The French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management has revised upward its evaluation of the Cigéo underground storage project, with a maximum potential cost of €37.5bn ($40.4bn) over 150 years.
The French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management has revised upward its evaluation of the Cigéo underground storage project, with a maximum potential cost of €37.5bn ($40.4bn) over 150 years.
The European Commission has requested Prague to suspend the award of a CZK200bn contract to KHNP, citing suspicions of state aid that may breach European law.
The European Commission has requested Prague to suspend the award of a CZK200bn contract to KHNP, citing suspicions of state aid that may breach European law.
Thanks to recent strategic agreements, Utah is establishing itself as a key regional hub for the development and production of Small Modular Reactors, boosting a rapidly growing industry at the heart of the United States.
The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
The United States is multiplying energy agreements with Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on civil nuclear power and hydropower storage to deepen its influence in strategic regional projects.
U.S.-based Energy Fuels extracted 151,400 pounds of uranium in April, reaching an unprecedented level since the opening of its Pinyon Plain mine, while underground drilling reveals exceptionally high grades.
U.S.-based Energy Fuels extracted 151,400 pounds of uranium in April, reaching an unprecedented level since the opening of its Pinyon Plain mine, while underground drilling reveals exceptionally high grades.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) will now publish its decisions and expert reports simultaneously, amid a controversial merger of nuclear oversight bodies.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) will now publish its decisions and expert reports simultaneously, amid a controversial merger of nuclear oversight bodies.

Advertising