Copenhagen Atomics mass-manufactures thorium-based molten salt reactors to provide nuclear energy as a service. Their proprietary "Onion Core®" design enables efficient production and deployment of compact, containerized reactor units that deliver reliable, clean heat at a predictable annual fee.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional nuclear energy deployment is characterized by long lead times, high capital expenditure, and complex operational requirements, creating significant barriers to entry for widespread adoption. The reliance on uranium fuel cycles and conventional reactor designs also presents challenges related to waste management and fuel availability.
Solution
Copenhagen Atomics is mass-manufacturing thorium-based molten salt reactors (MSRs) to provide nuclear energy as a service, offering a predictable, low annual flat fee for heat transfer. The company's approach leverages the inherent advantages of thorium fuel, including abundant supply and reduced waste, coupled with an innovative "Onion Core®" design for simplified manufacturing and deployment. By financing, building, owning, and operating a fleet of autonomous reactors, Copenhagen Atomics aims to deliver reliable, clean, and cost-effective energy solutions. Their extensive testing and efficient engineering processes are focused on achieving high operational uptime and minimizing the complexity for customers.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes industrial entities requiring high-temperature heat for processes, utility providers seeking dispatchable clean energy, and organizations looking to replace fossil fuel-based energy sources with a reliable, low-cost nuclear alternative.
Features
- Thorium Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) technology with a 100 MWth output and 550°C heat delivery capability.
- Utilizes thorium and enriched uranium (LEU) or transuranics (TRU) as kickstarter fuel, with a focus on thermal neutron spectrum for efficient fuel utilization.
- Features the proprietary "Onion Core®" design, enabling compact reactor construction and mass-manufacturing via assembly line production.
- Incorporates continuous molten salt circulation with integrated fission product extraction during operation, eliminating spent nuclear fuel generation.
- Designed for a "burn-then-breed" fuel cycle with a breeding ratio approaching 1, maximizing fuel efficiency.
- Employs containerized reactor units for simplified installation and minimal onsite assembly, reducing deployment timelines.
- Extensive component testing, with over 2,433 days of accumulated testing data, informing iterative design improvements.
- Open-source contributions to simulation tools like OpenMC and development of related software and hardware.