Danish Company Secures Funding Enhancement for Thoriated Molten Salt Reactor Units of 100 Megawatts Each
Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish innovator in nuclear technology, is making significant strides in the development of its thorium molten salt reactor (MSR) project. The company's core technology, a compact, containerized molten salt reactor, engineered for mass-production in a factory, has been the focus of extensive research and development.
The project has already clocked an impressive 100,000 hours of system testing, including refined test loops that have been sold to other researchers. Large-scale salt production systems with increasing production rates have also been developed [1]. This iterative approach of building, testing, redesigning, and rebuilding is central to their development strategy.
Thomas Jam Pedersen, the CEO of Copenhagen Atomics, projects that if progress continues without major setbacks, the first commercial reactor unit could be operational within about five years, placing it around 2030 [1]. This reactor will be a small modular thorium reactor designed for broader market deployment [3].
The advantages of thorium MSRs like Copenhagen Atomics' are numerous. Thorium is more widely available than uranium, potentially enabling a more sustainable fuel cycle [2]. These reactors also offer high efficiency and passive safety features, reducing the risk of accidents as they operate at atmospheric pressure [2][3].
In terms of long-term waste management, thorium MSRs produce significantly less long-lived radioactive waste compared to conventional uranium reactors. The waste profile is considered more manageable, with lower quantities and shorter half-lives of radioactive isotopes, which could simplify storage and disposal challenges [2].
The European Innovation Council has endorsed a financial investment into Copenhagen Atomics, and the company has been awarded a $3 million grant and access to $17 million in potential equity [4]. These funds will be used to fast-track the development of Copenhagen Atomics' thorium molten salt reactors (MSRs).
The commercial rollout will be handled by a subsidiary, UK Atomics, under an "energy-as-a-service" model. The reactors are designed to operate at atmospheric pressure and use a liquid fuel based on abundant thorium. Notably, these reactors can also consume recycled nuclear waste as part of their fuel [4].
Copenhagen Atomics aims to have its first commercial reactor operational by 2028. If realized at scale, this project could significantly impact the global energy mix and address some of the persistent challenges of nuclear waste management. With its potential to deliver electricity at a competitive price point below $48 per MWh, Copenhagen Atomics is poised to make a substantial contribution to sustainable nuclear energy solutions.
| Aspect | Progress/Impact | |-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | Development status | 100,000 hours testing; large-scale salt production; commercial reactor expected ~2030[1] | | Technology | Small modular thorium molten salt reactor[3] | | Energy production potential | More abundant fuel; high efficiency; passive safety[2][3] | | Waste management | Reduced long-lived waste; potentially easier disposal[2] | | Financial Support | European Innovation Council investment; $3 million grant; potential equity up to $17 million[4] | | Commercial Rollout | Handled by UK Atomics under an "energy-as-a-service" model[4] | | Fuel Source | Liquid fuel based on abundant thorium; recycled nuclear waste consumption[4] | | Expected Timeline | First commercial reactor operational by 2028[1] | | Price Point | Competitive, below $48 per MWh[4] |
This positions Copenhagen Atomics at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology with strong potential to influence future energy sustainability and waste solutions.
[1] Copenhagen Atomics. (2021). Copenhagen Atomics' thorium molten salt reactor project progresses towards commercial operation. Retrieved from https://www.copenhagenatomics.com/news/copenhagen-atomics-thorium-molten-salt-reactor-project-progresses-towards-commercial-operation [2] World Nuclear Association. (2021). Thorium. Retrieved from https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/fissile-materials-and-fuels/thorium.aspx [3] Copenhagen Atomics. (2021). Onion Core. Retrieved from https://www.copenhagenatomics.com/technology/onion-core [4] European Innovation Council. (2021). Copenhagen Atomics. Retrieved from https://eic.europa.eu/project/1000313349/copenhagen-atomics
- Copenhagen Atomics' thorium molten salt reactor project, a significant advancement in nuclear technology, is progressing towards commercial operation, with 100,000 hours of system testing already completed.
- The company's compact, containerized reactor technology, engineered for mass-production, has attracted extensive research and development, with large-scale salt production systems also being developed.
- The European Innovation Council has endorsed a financial investment into Copenhagen Atomics, granting a $3 million grant and potential access to $17 million in equity, to fast-track the development of the thorium molten salt reactors (MSRs).
- If realized at scale, the project could significantly impact the global energy mix, with the potential to deliver electricity at a competitive price point below $48 per MWh, while also addressing the challenges of nuclear waste management.
