Global engineering company ABB has signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate with Swedish lead-cooled small modular reactor technology developer Blykalla. They will initially concentrate on constructing an electrical SMR pilot facility near Oskarshamn to test proof of concept before expanding to future plants.

The signing of the MoU (Image: ABB)

The MoU was signed at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm by Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman and ABB Energy Industries Local Division Manager Vibeke Gyllenram.

Within the scope of the MoU, ABB will explore how its automation, electrification and digitalisation solutions can support Blykalla's SMR prototype SEALER-E, which features an electric lead-cooled reactor. This includes cyber security frameworks to ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations.

"The energy transition is one of the greatest challenges but also opportunities of our time and at ABB we are in favour of all low-carbon energy sources including nuclear," said ABB Energy Industries President Per Erik Holsten. "We are proud to build a partnership with Blykalla and use our automation and electrification knowledge to support the role of SMRs in producing clean electricity and driving decarbonisation."

"We are excited to welcome ABB as a partner and to benefit from the in-depth expertise they can bring to this SMR project," said Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. "We see strong momentum in Sweden for nuclear power in general, and SMRs in particular. This is why we look forward to bringing our technology to market as part of efforts to enable the transition to a net-zero future."

Rendering of first SEALER site (Image: Blykalla)

Blykalla - formerly called LeadCold - is a spin-off from KTH in Stockholm, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been under development since 1996. The company - founded in 2013 as a joint stock company - is developing the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor).

Together with Uniper, OKG, KTH and the Swedish Energy Agency, Blykalla will build an electric research reactor in Oskarshamn. The Swedish Energy Agency has awarded a SEK99 million (USD9.3 million) grant for the project.

A demonstration SEALER (SEALER-D) is planned to have a thermal output of 80 MW. As in future commercial reactors from Blykalla, the fuel rods will be cooled by 800 tonnes of liquid lead. The reactor will have a height and diameter of about 5 metres.

Blykalla's goal is for its first 140 MWt SEALER-55 commercial reactor to be ready for operation in the early 2030s.