The Transformational Challenge Reactor
The Transformational Challenge Reactor (TCR) Program was developed to bring to bear additive manufacturing (AM) and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver enabling technologies for advanced reactors. TCR is now being joined with Advanced Methods for Manufacturing (AMM) and Nuclear Materials Discovery and Qualification Initiative (NMDQi) to address the whole lifecycle of nuclear materials and related technologies.
A Path Forward for Nuclear
A Path Forward for Nuclear
Nuclear energy provides nearly 20 percent of America’s electricity supply. But by 2055, all current nuclear reactors based on light water technology will likely retire due to expiring licenses. There are currently no advanced reactors in operation, although multiple plans exist to invest in new reactor designs and actually build new advanced reactors to prepare for the next generation of nuclear.
The goal of the Transformational Challenge Reactor Program was simple: Leverage advances in manufacturing, materials and computation to enable adoption of technologies to facilitate delivery of reliable, low-cost clean nuclear energy for the nation.
The TCR program worked diligently to transfer its technology to the industry almost as fast as it’s being developed and demonstrated. Industry leaders are already using TCR technology to improve and implement their own designs and to provide clean and cost-competitive energy production.
Goals
Lowering Cost
Change the cost model for advanced nuclear reactors to be competitive with other technologies.
Faster Deployment
Dramatically reduce deployment timelines for new nuclear technologies.
Rapid Innovation
Integrate digital data for rapid innovation.
Modernization
Accelerate the adoption of advances in manufacturing, materials, and computational sciences for nuclear energy.
The Science Behind TCR
The Science Behind TCR
Materials
Materials
ORNL is home to the nation’s most comprehensive materials research program and is a world leader in research that supports the development of advanced materials for energy generation, storage, and use.
Advanced Manufacturing
Advanced Manufacturing
ORNL is leading the advanced manufacturing renaissance by working with industry, academia, and other agencies to create a digital factory that bridges the gap between systems and software.
Data Analytics
Data Analytics
ORNL is developing new characterization technologies through data analytics that are capable of rapidly extracting information from materials.
Modeling and Simulation
Modeling and Simulation
ORNL leverages its world class computing facilities including the Summit supercomputer to solve complex multiphysics problems related to advanced nuclear energy systems.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy
ORNL built and operated the world’s first permanent nuclear reactor, and the lab’s impact on nuclear has continued for more than 75 years.