INL Foundation and MicroNuclear to Advance Molten Salt Nuclear Battery Concept

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Foundation and MicroNuclear, LLC have entered into an agreement to advance the development of MicroNuclear's Molten Salt Nuclear Battery (MsNB) concept. This compact molten salt microreactor is designed to provide resilient power and process heat.

The collaboration will support the next phase of MsNB development, including detailed engineering, safety and licensing activities, prototype manufacturing, initial fission testing, and the creation of a repeatable model for future deployment and commercialization. The team includes INL Foundation, MicroNuclear, EXP, Premier Technology, Inc., and Porter House, bringing together expertise in engineering, reactor technology, manufacturing, and commercialization.

MicroNuclear is developing the cyber-protected MsNB, a compact, natural-circulation molten salt microreactor. It is intended for critical infrastructure, military and government facilities, remote grids, and industrial process heat. The MsNB is envisioned as a safe, emissions-free 20 MW thermal unit, designed to operate for an anticipated 10-year interval before fuel and salt recovery and recycling.

The INL Foundation will support early fundraising and facilitate access to the Idaho National Laboratory. EXP, Premier Technology, Inc., and Porter House Inc. are providing the integrated engineering, advanced manufacturing, and nuclear quality assurance expertise needed to advance the concept toward demonstration and commercial readiness. The MsNB aims to provide reliable energy in locations where it is most critical.

Further testing is expected to take place at the Idaho National Laboratory or other U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories under separate agreements. The partnership aims to accelerate technology maturation and ensure its safe and effective implementation.