French startup Stellaria has successfully raised €23 million, equivalent to approximately $26 million, to advance its ambitious project of developing a fast neutron molten salt nuclear reactor by 2035. This significant financial boost positions the company to accelerate its work on innovative nuclear technology.
Driving Nuclear Innovation with Molten Salt Technology
Stellaria, a spin-off from the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), is focused on developing an energy system based on a chloride molten salt reactor (MSR). MSRs utilize molten fluoride salts as primary coolants at low pressure and can operate with various fuels, including uranium, plutonium, and thorium. The reactor designed by Stellaria is notably compact, measuring only 4 cubic meters.
The company’s reactor is unique for being the “world’s first fast neutron reactor capable of renewing 100% of its fuel in its core during operation,” and is projected to produce 250 MWt/110 MWe. This technology is seen as a crucial step towards a diversified range of nuclear fuels and aligns with France’s strategy of closing the nuclear fuel cycle. Fast neutron reactors, such as those Stellaria is developing, are of significant interest for their ability to manage nuclear materials by operating with depleted uranium combined with plutonium from reprocessed fuel, thereby contributing to energy sovereignty and reducing high-level nuclear waste.
Part of the Broader France 2030 Investment Plan
Stellaria’s funding comes as part of the broader France 2030 national investment plan, which aims to re-industrialize France and support innovative projects. Launched by President Emmanuel Macron in October 2021, the plan has allocated €54 billion (approximately $58 billion) over five years for various funding schemes. A specific allocation of €1 billion was made for France’s Nuward small modular reactor (SMR) project and other “innovative reactors to close the fuel cycle and produce less waste.” The French government has set a goal to construct a first prototype of such reactors in France by 2030.
Another molten salt reactor developer, Thorizon, also received a €10 million grant under the France 2030 plan. Thorizon, a Dutch firm, is also developing a 250 MWt/100 MWe molten salt reactor and aims to construct a pilot reactor system before 2035.
The Future of Fast Neutron Reactors in France and Beyond
France has a history with fast neutron reactors, including the Phénix reactor, which operated from 1974 until 2009, and Superphénix. The country is actively pursuing advanced nuclear technologies, recognizing their potential for energy independence and waste reduction. This recent investment in Stellaria underscores a commitment to developing Generation IV molten salt fast neutron reactors, which are seen as pivotal for the decarbonization objectives and achieving full energy sovereignty.
