LTBR - Lightbridge Launches Engineering Study to Assess Lightbridge Fuel for Use in CANDU Reactors | Benzinga
PITE?TI, Romania and RESTON, Va., Oct. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ:LTBR), an advanced nuclear fuel technology company, is pleased to announce it has engaged Institutul de Cercet?ri Nucleare Pite?ti, a subsidiary of Regia Autonoma Tehnologii pentru Energia Nucleara (RATEN ICN) to perform an engineering study to assess the compatibility and suitability of Lightbridge Fuel™ for use in CANDU reactors. This assessment will cover key areas including mechanical design, neutronics analysis, and thermal and thermal-hydraulic evaluations. The findings from the engineering study will play an important role in guiding future economic evaluations and navigating potential regulatory licensing-related issues.
What are CANDU Reactors?
Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactors, initially designed in Canada during the 1960s, use natural-uranium fuel and heavy water as both a moderator and coolant. Unique in their design, they can be refueled while operating at full power. This contrasts with US reactors that require shutdown during refueling. CANDU is the standard for Canadian nuclear power and is also used in Argentina, China, India, Pakistan, Romania, and South Korea.
Daniela Diaconu, Scientific Deputy Director of Institutul de Cercet?ri Nucleare Pite?ti, commented, "We are pleased to collaborate with Lightbridge on this engineering study to investigate the advantages of using Lightbridge's innovative nuclear fuel in CANDU reactors. This engineering study is in line with our mission of supporting the development of technologies that ensure national scientific and technical support in the field of nuclear power and contributes to sustaining international cooperation."
Seth Grae, President & Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Corporation, commented, "Today's announcement is an important step for Lightbridge. This engineering study will help us assess the viability of using Lightbridge Fuel in a CANDU reactor, which will help guide our commercialization pathway in determining the types of reactors that we prioritize. The distinctive design of CANDU reactors, such as the smaller dimensions of CANDU fuel rods and shorter irradiation time of the fuel in the core as well as their unique refueling process highlight their potential appeal. Positive confirmation from this engineering study potentially will provide us with the opportunity to expedite ...