The US Department of Energy (DOE) has named Ultra Energy as one of seven advanced nuclear technology innovators to have been awarded a voucher in this round of its Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative. Vouchers provide awardees with access to the extensive nuclear research capabilities and expertise available across the DOE’s national laboratory complex.
Under the initiative, Ultra Energy’s team will collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to organize and design high-temperature reactor testing of our prototype high temperature neutron flux detector, a device that has the potential to enhance the safe operation of advanced commercial reactors. Completion of the tests will validate suitability of the prototype for high temperature and high flux operations, as well as allow for further development of our detector for commercial deployment.
Jefferson Ridgway, CTO at Ultra Energy who led the development of the prototype flux detector, said: “We are tremendously proud to have been awarded funding to access facilities and expertise at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which fully merits its world class reputation. Our prototype high temperature neutron flux detector has the potential to unlock significant progress in advanced reactor designs, which in turn will support the world’s ability to reach net zero. We’d like to thank everyone involved in supporting the decision to award us a voucher under the GAIN initiative.”
GAIN was established by DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and provides the nuclear community with the technical, regulatory, and financial support necessary to move innovative nuclear technologies toward commercialization. In addition to Ultra Energy, voucher awardees in this round include Westinghouse, Moltex, Kairos, General Atomics, Advanced Reactor Concepts and Alpha Tech Research.