MicroNuclear has moved to the next development phase for its Molten Salt Nuclear Battery (MsNB). This compact microreactor is designed to provide 20 MW of thermal power and can operate continuously for up to ten years without refueling.
The company has partnered with the Idaho National Laboratory Foundation, EXP, Premier Technology, and Porter House. The collaboration focuses on detailed engineering, prototype development, safety protocols, licensing, and commercialization strategies.
The reactor utilizes natural circulation of molten salt, which eliminates the need for mechanical pumps by relying on temperature and density gradients. This design choice aims to reduce the number of active components within the system.
After the ten-year operational cycle, the module will be returned to a central facility for fuel and salt recovery. The reactor is intended for critical infrastructure, industrial sites, and government facilities, with potential applications in hydrogen production.
Future project milestones include finalizing technical documentation and conducting safety analyses. Prototype testing is scheduled to take place at the Idaho National Laboratory or other facilities operated by the US Department of Energy.
