Advanced Facility Design and AI/ML Enabled Safeguards to Establish Secure, Economical Recycling of Fast Reactor Fuels

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
OPEN 2021
Award:
$3,600,000
Location:
Lemont, Illinois
Status:
ACTIVE
Project Term:
06/22/2022 - 06/21/2025
Website:

Technology Description:

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) and Oklo will develop crucial technologies in researching pyroprocessing for advanced fast reactor fuels. Pyroprocessing involves the use of high-temperature molten salts to enable the recycling and reuse of valuable nuclear materials from used fuel. Recycling improves the utilization of nuclear resources, generates less nuclear waste, and reduces the cost of fuel. The ANL team will develop a system to improve the safeguarding, security, and operations of future fuel reprocessing plants to support this outcome. The system comprises new advanced multimodal sensors that leverage machine learning-enabled algorithms to improve measurements and allow for the detection and diagnosis of off-normal events. The team will also create a digital twin for the reprocessing facility and perform studies to determine the minimal sensor set required to meet regulations for accountancy and control of the nuclear materials as part of this effort.

Potential Impact:

If successful, this project will enhance fission power prospects by lowering the cost and improving the utilization of nuclear fuel.

Security:

The proposed technologies will enhance the research viability of reprocessing by improving the safeguarding, security, and operations of pyroprocessing facilities.

Environment:

Once operational, the AR fleet will disrupt the existing energy landscape and provide carbon-free electricity at prices far lower than traditional nuclear plants.

Economy:

The pyrochemical fuel reprocessing could create an economical domestic fuel supply chain for the planned suite of ARs.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Robert Ledoux
Project Contact:
Nathaniel Hoyt
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
nhoyt@anl.gov

Partners

Oklo, Inc.

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Release Date:
02/11/2021