Switzerland, Zürich: Hitachi Energy and Blykalla have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore long-term collaboration on the deployment of next-generation lead-cooled advanced modular reactors.
The cooperation brings together Blykalla’s advanced nuclear technology with Hitachi Energy’s expertise in electrification, grid integration and energy software. The companies will work on optimising the electrical and grid integration design for Blykalla’s reactor technology, including transmission-level connection, on-site electrical systems and digital monitoring.
The agreement also gives Hitachi Energy the opportunity to integrate its technologies into a standardised solution for small modular reactor applications.
The focus areas include conceptual designs for grid connection and network integration, on-site electrical architecture, digital tools for construction and operation, and a combined offering for customers with high and constant power demand. Initial target sectors include data centres and energy-intensive industries.
As electricity demand grows due to industrial electrification, digital infrastructure and wider societal needs, advanced modular reactors are being considered as a potential source of stable, fossil-free baseload power alongside renewable energy.
“We need reliable and low-carbon power solutions that can be integrated efficiently into the energy system as electricity demand continues to grow across industry and digital infrastructure,” said Tobias Hansson, Country Managing Director of Hitachi Energy Sweden.
Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla, said: “As we move toward commercialization, this collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver complete energy solutions.”
Blykalla’s advanced modular reactor uses lead-cooling technology. The company has developed proprietary aluminium-alloyed steels designed to withstand the corrosive properties of liquid lead, supporting the commercialisation of lead-cooled fast reactors.
The collaboration aims to support the future deployment of advanced nuclear solutions across Europe and the United States.
Source: Hitachi Energy
