Terrestrial Energy Achieves Breakthrough with Completion of Molten Salt Reactor Regulatory Review

Source: | · TERRESTRIAL ENERGY · | April 18, 2023

Company’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor plant leads the way to cost-competitive, zero-carbon industrial cogeneration

OAKVILLE, Ontario, Canada and Charlotte, NC – April 18, 2023– Terrestrial Energy has achieved a breakthrough in the commercial development of its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) power plant, with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) completion of Phase 2 of the pre-licensing Vendor Design Review (VDR). This is the first advanced, high-temperature fission technology to complete a review of this type.

“The VDR is a comprehensive pre-licensing regulatory review, and its completion is a breakthrough for Terrestrial Energy. Its scope and conclusion provide commercial confidence to proceed to licensing and construction of IMSR plants. It is the first technology review completed by a major regulator of a nuclear plant design that uses a Generation IV reactor technology to supply heat at high temperature, and the first time for molten salt reactor technology,” said Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy. “This review is a major step to bring molten salt technology to commercial markets and IMSR plants to large industrial companies seeking practicable high-impact solutions to decarbonize industrial production.”

“This nuclear technology review by the Canadian regulator is a first for the nuclear industry and a proud moment for Canada. It points to a different direction of travel for nuclear energy, away from the traditional modes of development and use,” said Stephen Harper, Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister and member of Terrestrial Energy’s Advisory Board. “The nuclear age will be renewed with high-temperature reactor technologies designed and developed by innovative private companies to achieve competitive commercial performance in civilian markets. This landmark brings that one step closer.”