Feb 4, 2025
Blykalla begins development on a non-nuclear prototype small modular reactor.
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Swedish developer Blykalla, which specializes in lead-cooled small modular reactor technology, has commenced construction on a pilot facility for an electrical small modular reactor near Oskarshamn to test the feasibility of its SEALER technology.
The groundbreaking event was graced by the presence of Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Ebba Busch.
This Advanced Reactor Testing Site will accommodate the electrical SEALER-E prototype reactor, with the objective of validating vital components and safety mechanisms. This initiative is a joint effort involving partners like Uniper, ABB, NCC, and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The Swedish Energy Agency has granted SEK99 million (USD9.3 million) to support the project.
"This test facility marks a major advancement in Swedish nuclear innovation and highlights the effectiveness of collaboration," stated Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. "By bringing together public and private entities, we are establishing a foundation for the energy solutions that the world urgently requires."
On 31 January, Blykalla announced that it has chosen NCC AB as the construction partner for this new testing facility adjacent to the Oskarshamn nuclear power plant. NCC will oversee the construction, including site preparation and necessary installations.
The initial phase of construction is anticipated to be finished by June, with testing slated to commence in the third quarter of 2025.
Blykalla, which was previously known as LeadCold, emerged as a spin-off from KTH, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been in development since 1996. Founded in 2013 as a joint stock company, Blykalla is focused on advancing the SEALER technology.
A demonstration model of the SEALER (SEALER-D) is expected to have a thermal output of 80 MW. Similar to future commercial reactors by Blykalla, the fuel rods will be cooled using 800 tonnes of liquid lead, and the reactor will feature a height and diameter of approximately 5 meters.
Blykalla aims to have its first commercial reactor, the 140 MWt SEALER-55, operational by the early 2030s.
The groundbreaking event was graced by the presence of Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, Ebba Busch.
This Advanced Reactor Testing Site will accommodate the electrical SEALER-E prototype reactor, with the objective of validating vital components and safety mechanisms. This initiative is a joint effort involving partners like Uniper, ABB, NCC, and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). The Swedish Energy Agency has granted SEK99 million (USD9.3 million) to support the project.
"This test facility marks a major advancement in Swedish nuclear innovation and highlights the effectiveness of collaboration," stated Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. "By bringing together public and private entities, we are establishing a foundation for the energy solutions that the world urgently requires."
On 31 January, Blykalla announced that it has chosen NCC AB as the construction partner for this new testing facility adjacent to the Oskarshamn nuclear power plant. NCC will oversee the construction, including site preparation and necessary installations.
The initial phase of construction is anticipated to be finished by June, with testing slated to commence in the third quarter of 2025.
Blykalla, which was previously known as LeadCold, emerged as a spin-off from KTH, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been in development since 1996. Founded in 2013 as a joint stock company, Blykalla is focused on advancing the SEALER technology.
A demonstration model of the SEALER (SEALER-D) is expected to have a thermal output of 80 MW. Similar to future commercial reactors by Blykalla, the fuel rods will be cooled using 800 tonnes of liquid lead, and the reactor will feature a height and diameter of approximately 5 meters.
Blykalla aims to have its first commercial reactor, the 140 MWt SEALER-55, operational by the early 2030s.