Cambridge Atomworks has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) to explore the use of advanced electron beam (EB) welding technology in the manufacture of critical components for its ODIN nuclear micro-reactor programme. Cambridge Atomworks is developing a small, transportable nuclear fission reactor designed to provide standalone power for off-grid applications. Under the agreement, the companies will examine how CVE’s expertise in EB welding, including its Ebflow technology, can be applied to the manufacturing strategy for the ODIN reactor.
CVE’s Ebflow technology has been developed to accelerate the production of critical nuclear power components, including reactor vessels and internals. The companies will assess its potential application to the ODIN programme while considering the quality, safety and regulatory requirements associated with nuclear manufacturing.
Cambridge Atomworks is targeting an operational prototype of the ODIN reactor by 2031 and plans to supply power to off-grid customers globally by the mid-2030s. The ODIN reactor uses solid nuclear fuel and molten salt coolant and is designed as a transportable, standalone power system.
The reactor is intended to be manufactured largely off-site and deployed with limited supporting infrastructure. Potential applications include mining operations, remote and island communities, developing markets and other industrial users where reliable electricity can be difficult or expensive to provide.
Ian Farnan, CEO, Cambridge Atomworks, said, “Building the next generation of nuclear technology in the UK requires us to combine our innovative reactor design with world-class manufacturing capabilities. Our agreement with CVE is an important step in developing the supply chain and manufacturing approach needed to make our micro-reactor technology a reality.” He added that EB welding could change the way key reactor components are manufactured and said the company would work with CVE to assess the capabilities of its Ebflow technology as the ODIN programme moves towards deployment.
Chris Punshon, Director of R&D and Applications, CVE, said, “Electron beam welding can significantly reduce welding times, improve manufacturing repeatability, reduce distortion and support highly automated production processes in nuclear power projects.” He said CVE’s work with Cambridge Atomworks would examine how its technology could be applied to the ODIN manufacturing strategy while meeting nuclear-sector requirements.
The MoU is aimed at supporting development of the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain and advanced manufacturing capabilities for next-generation nuclear energy. Cambridge Atomworks is a UK nuclear engineering company developing transportable nuclear fission technology for reliable power in off-grid locations, including energy-intensive mining and industrial applications and regions without grid infrastructure.
Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, trading as CVE, designs and builds process solutions and has more than 60 years of experience in electron beam systems. Its technologies serve sectors including aerospace, nuclear, automotive, oil and gas and sensors. The company exports around 95% of its systems and offers EB welding equipment from 50–200kV with beam powers up to 100kW.
