TRISO Nuclear Fuel: US Advances Next-Gen Safe & Efficient Reactor Fuel

For Prelims:

  • TRISO – TRi-structural ISOtropic particle fuel
  • US Department of Energy (DOE)
  • Standard Nuclear
  • BWX Technologies
  • Core fuel kernel – uranium, carbon, oxygen
  • Three-layer carbon–ceramic coating
  • Seed-sized particles → pellets / pebbles

For Mains:

  • Nuclear energy supply chain diversification
  • Nuclear non-proliferation & safety
  • Small modular reactor (SMR) applications
  • Gen-IV reactor fuel innovations
  • High-temperature gas-cooled reactor advantages
  • Molten salt reactor fuel requirements
  • Energy security & strategic autonomy
  • Decarbonisation role of advanced nuclear
  • US–Russia nuclear fuel geopolitics
  • Public–private partnerships in nuclear R&D

US DOE backs Standard Nuclear’s TRISO fuel, a durable, self-contained nuclear fuel boosting safety and cutting reliance on Russian uranium. Ideal for advanced reactors and clean energy innovation.

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Context

  • Recently, the US Department of Energy (DOE) named Standard Nuclear as the first company to develop next-generation TRISO nuclear fuel, a move intended to cut dependence on Russian uranium and enhance domestic supply chains.

About TRISO Nuclear Fuel

Stands for TRi-structural ISOtropic Particle Fuel

  • A high-performance nuclear fuel designed for advanced reactors, offering greater safety and efficiency.
  • Developed through collaboration between the US Department of Energy (DOE) and private companies such as BWX Technologies.

How it is Formed

Core fuel kernel made of uranium, carbon, and oxygen.

  • Encased in three protective carbon–ceramic layers to prevent radiation leakage.
  • Particles are seed-sized but can be shaped into pellets or pebbles for reactor use.

Key Features

Extreme Durability – Resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and very high temperatures.

  • Self-Contained Safety – Each particle acts as its own containment, reducing radiation risk.
  • Versatile Application – Suitable for molten salt and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.

Significance

Supports next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs) and Gen-IV reactors.

  • Reduces US reliance on Russian uranium.
  • Boosts clean energy security and promotes nuclear innovation.

Prelims:

Q. UPSC PRELIMS 2023
With reference to India’s nuclear power, consider the following statements:
  1. Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in India use enriched uranium as fuel.
  2. Light Water Reactors (LWRs) in India use imported enriched uranium.
  3. Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) in India use a mixed oxide of uranium and plutonium as fuel.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Ans:



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