Mirion Technologies Awarded Strategic Design Contract for X-energy’s Small Modular Reactor
August 15 2023 - 8:15AM
Business Wire
Agreement Focused on Unique Burn Up Measurement
System (BUMS) in Development of the Xe-100 High-Temperature
Gas-Cooled Reactor
Mirion Technologies (NYSE: MIR), a leading provider of advanced
radiation safety solutions, today announced a strategic design
contract with X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”), a leading
developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel
technology for clean energy generation. Per the agreement, Mirion
will provide detailed design support for the Burn Up Measurement
System (BUMS), a vital system for the fuel cycle of the Xe-100
high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). This partnership aligns
with Mirion’s commitment to the global pursuit of sustainable,
low-carbon energy solutions and to empowering innovation that
improves the human condition.
What is the BUMS?
The Xe-100 Burn Up Measurement System (BUMS) is an important
element of the online reactor’s fuel handling system that supports
X-energy’s groundbreaking technology. Composed of high-purity
Germanium (HPGe) detectors to ensure the highest degree of
accuracy, the BUMS is designed to maximize nuclear fuel
utilization, making the system more productive while minimizing
waste.
The system uniquely measures key gamma indicators to determine
the level of burn-up, the initial enrichment of the fuel, and the
plutonium/uranium (Pu/U) content in each fuel pebble being
circulated through the reactor.
“The BUMS is a critical subsystem of our reactors that both
ensures we meet our fuel efficiency projections while at the same
time safely and reliably operating. Mirion has an exceptional
record of developing nuclear instrumentation to accurately and
consistently perform in a range of environments. Together, we
expect to begin testing the BUMS prototype in 2024 and build the
first operational units starting in 2025.”
Next Steps
X-energy and Mirion are in the process of developing a BUMS
system with a Mirion HPGe detector. To support the defense and
in-depth strategy of the Xe-100 and fuel handling system, the BUMS
will require a qualification process to show that it can operate
under the conditions and circumstances that are required.
Testing using the advanced test reactor will take place at Idaho
National Laboratory.
Partnering for Clean Energy
In 2021, X-energy was awarded $1.2 billion in federal
cost-shared funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced
Reactor Demonstration Program to develop, license, build and
demonstrate an operational advanced reactor and fuel fabrication
facility by the end of the decade. Mirion, whose radiation safety
and measurement solutions are already widely used in nuclear power
facilities around the world, has been actively involved in
discussions with SMR developers and suppliers over the last
year.
“We are excited to work with X-energy on next-generation reactor
technology that could help make affordable, efficient, and
carbon-free energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels,” said
Thomas Logan, Mirion’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our extensive
knowledge of ionizing radiation and nuclear power makes us uniquely
equipped to support this next wave of critical innovation.”
View Mirion products and solutions at mirion.com/smr.
About Mirion
Mirion (NYSE: MIR) is a global leader in radiation safety,
science and medicine, empowering innovations that deliver vital
protection while harnessing the transformative potential of
ionizing radiation across a diversity of end markets. The Mirion
Technologies group provides proven radiation safety technologies
that operate with precision – for essential work within R&D
labs, critical nuclear facilities, and on the front lines. The
Mirion Medical group solutions help enhance the delivery and ensure
safety in healthcare, powering the fields of Nuclear Medicine,
Radiation Therapy QA, Occupational Dosimetry, and Diagnostic
Imaging. Headquartered in Atlanta (GA – USA), Mirion employs
approximately 2,700 people and operates in 12 countries. Learn more
at mirion.com.
About X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC
X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of
advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for
clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy
industry through its development of safer and more efficient
reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and
affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s
simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands
applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and
drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction
timelines when compared with conventional nuclear. For more
information, visit X-energy.com or connect with us on Twitter or
LinkedIn.
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For investor inquiries: Jerry Estes ir@mirion.com For
media inquiries: Erin Schesny media@mirion.com
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