Advanced Materials Technology Verification for Nuclear Energy

Purpose and goal

The main goal of AMTVINE is to advance the implementation of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel (ATF), in Swedish nuclear power. 

The challenge

The overall cost and time of building new plants and extending the lifespan of existing plants, along with the public perception of safety (risk of accidents), currently impedes the expansion of nuclear power production in Sweden, and globally. 

The solution

Additive Manufacturing and enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuel are two innovative fields experiencing rapid development, expected to play a key role in overcoming these challenges. Despite involving very different types of materials and manufacturing technologies, they share a common need for extensive verification prior to full-scale deployment in current and future light water reactors (LWRs), including small modular reactors (SMRs).

AM provides the capability to design and manufacture advanced fuel components with significantly improved performance, enabled by intricate geometries that conventional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. It also allows for efficient, rapid, and cost-effective production of various components, tools, and prototypes. In the context of SMRs, AM is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting cost and schedule targets.

Increased utilization of Accident Tolerant Fuel is in turn predicted to have a strong impact on nuclear safety. The technical screening criteria of the EU Complementary Climate Delegated Act (Taxonomy) require the use of ATF fuel for all new reactors and for lifetime extension of existing NPPs. 

Structure and expected outcomes

AMTVINE:s research and development activities are divided into four technical work packages:

• WP1 - Investigation of an AM upper tie plate after in-reactor exposure
• WP2 - Verification of coated claddings for reactor use
• WP3 - Development/optimization of AM process for nuclear applications
• WP4 - Advanced In-Reactor Materials Testing (AIRMATE)

The AMTVINE results will advance the implementation of AM and ATF in nuclear power generation in Sweden and, within 4-10 years, make additively manufactured components and coated claddings commercially available for use in the existing Swedish nuclear fleet. The technical and scientific expertise resulting from the project will benefit the entire Swedish nuclear power program, starting immediately and lasting for decades.