Blykalla and Hitachi Energy partner on advanced nuclear systems using aluminium-alloyed steel technology

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Advanced nuclear technology company Blykalla and electrification company Hitachi Energy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term collaboration on the deployment of Blykalla's lead-cooled advanced modular reactors (AMRs) in Europe and the United States.

A key part of Blykalla's reactor technology is its use of proprietary aluminium-alloyed steels, which are designed to withstand the corrosive effects of liquid lead. The company says this materials innovation enables the commercial use of lead-cooled fast reactors, which use lead as the cooling medium

Under the agreement, the two companies will work on the electrical systems needed to connect Blykalla’s reactors to the grid and to industrial sites. The work will include grid connections, on-site electrical systems, and digital monitoring to create a standard design for larger deployment. 

The partnership will focus on areas including conceptual designs for grid connection and network integration, on-site electrical architecture, digital tools for reactor construction and operation, and integrated energy solutions for customers with continuous, high electricity demand. The initial focus will be on data centres and energy-intensive industries.

Jacob Stedman, Chief Executive Officer of Blykalla, said the collaboration would strengthen the company's ability to deliver complete energy solutions as it moves towards commercialisation. He added, "Hitachi Energy’s expertise in electrical infrastructure makes them a strong partner to help bring our technology to market, and positions us to meet the growing global demand for clean, reliable power.” 

Tobias Hansson, Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy Sweden, said growing electricity demand from industry and digital infrastructure requires reliable, low-carbon power solutions that can be integrated efficiently into the energy system. He said combining Blykalla's reactor technology with Hitachi Energy's expertise in electrical infrastructure could support industrial growth and the energy transition.

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Advanced modular reactors are a type of small modular reactor (SMR) that uses advanced cooling systems. According to Blykalla, lead-cooled reactors can be deployed more quickly and installed in flexible locations. Their compact design also lets them sit close to industrial sites and supply electricity precisely where it is needed. 

Blykalla's reactor technology is based on lead-cooled reactor systems first used in the 1960s and has been further developed through Swedish research. The company is now preparing the technology for commercial deployment in Sweden and the United States.

Hitachi Energy, headquartered in Switzerland, operates in more than 140 countries, employs over 56,000 people across 60 countries, and generates annual revenue of around USD 20 billion. Blykalla is developing its SEALER lead-cooled reactor as part of its efforts to commercialise next-generation nuclear technology for industrial and energy applications.