Nano Nuclear Energy (NASDAQ:NNE) said its engineering collaboration with Howden, a Baker Hughes business, has progressed to the detailed design phase for the primary helium circulator of its KRONOS MMR™ Energy System.
The helium circulator is a mechanical subsystem designed to move helium coolant through the reactor core to transfer heat. Howden is leading the engineering design of the component, drawing on its experience in helium turbomachinery and high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technology.
Howden became part of Baker Hughes following its acquisition of Chart Industries.
Preliminary Engineering Work Completed
During the preliminary engineering phase, Howden completed engineering evaluations, developed three-dimensional design models, carried out supporting analyses and conducted formal design reviews with Nano Nuclear’s engineering team.
Work now underway includes component qualification, materials and performance testing, design optimisation and manufacturing planning.
Chief Executive Officer James Walker said the advancement “strengthens the technical foundation of the overall reactor program and demonstrates the disciplined engineering execution essential for successful commercialization,” adding that the company continues to make progress across engineering and regulatory activities toward prototype construction and regulatory licensing.
KRONOS MMR Development Continues
The latest engineering milestone follows a separate collaboration with Fortil covering the design of the Fuel Handling and Storage System, another subsystem within the KRONOS MMR™ architecture.
The KRONOS MMR™ is a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor. Nano Nuclear is currently engaged in construction permit pre-application activities with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.