Framatome and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation join forces

Framatome and USNC have signed a non-binding agreement to create a joint venture to commercialize fourth-generation nuclear fuel for Micro-Modular™ and other advanced reactor designs. The companies share the vision of socially and environmentally responsible low-emission energy.

Share:

Framatome and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) have signed a non-binding agreement to form a joint venture. The goal of this cooperation is to commercialize a fourth-generation nuclear fuel for USNC’s Micro-Modular™ (MMR®) reactors and other advanced reactor designs.

 

A step towards low-carbon nuclear energy

“Ultra Safe Nuclear is a pioneer in the manufacture of TRISO-based nuclear fuels and micro reactors, both of which contribute to a clear and achievable path to a low-carbon future,” said Ala Alzaben, senior vice president for North America at Framatome. Both companies share a vision of socially and environmentally responsible zero-carbon nuclear energy.

 

Framatome, a strategic partner

“Framatome is an important strategic partner in our quest,” said Francesco Venneri, CEO of Ultra Safe Nuclear. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Framatome to bring commercial quantities of TRISO particles and FCM fuel to market.”

“Following extensive review and due diligence, we selected Framatome as our partner. Framatome not only has a long history of safe and economical nuclear fuel manufacturing, but its extensive manufacturing experience will be key to our success in bringing the TRISO and FCM fuel forms to market quickly,” said Francesco Venneri.

 

A pilot plant for fuel fabrication

Ultra Safe Nuclear’s collaboration with Framatome follows the August opening of USNC’s pilot fuel fabrication plant (PFM), the first and only privately funded facility in the United States to fabricate TRISO particles. Modular production lines for TRISO particles and FCM fuel will be rapidly repeated to increase capacity and meet the growing demand for MMR and advanced reactor technologies.

 

Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.
Standard Uranium announces the results of a high-resolution electromagnetic survey at the Corvo project, confirming 29 kilometres of conductive corridors and launching the planning of an inaugural drilling programme for 2026.
NANO Nuclear Energy assembles and tests its annular induction pump prototype, marking progress for its microreactor programmes and paving the way for potential commercialisation of the technology.
Hungary reaffirms its intent to double the capacity of its Paks nuclear power plant in partnership with Rosatom, with concrete works expected to begin in the autumn.
Arabelle Solutions, a subsidiary of EDF, will provide turbine island equipment for the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor project in Canada, marking a milestone for the industrialisation of SMRs in North America.
Framatome will supply nuclear fuel and technical services to ENEC, strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ energy supply chain for the Barakah nuclear plant.
French start-up Stellaria secures €23mn ($25.2mn) in funding to accelerate the design of its fast neutron nuclear reactor, with first fission expected in 2029 and commercial deployment targeted for 2035.
The Bulgarian National Audit Office report highlights persistent delays and contractual irregularities in the implementation of the national repository for low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.
Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.