Raised €23 Million for the advancement of Fast Neutron Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor technology by Stellaria
Stellaria, a French nuclear reactor development company, is taking significant strides towards a greener future with its fourth-generation fast-neutron molten salt nuclear reactor, the Stellarium. The reactor, powered by chloride salts operating in a closed fuel cycle, promises to revolutionise the energy sector with its potential to generate power for more than 20 years without refueling and significantly reduce nuclear waste.
The latest development comes after Stellaria secured €23 million in funding, which will support technical and regulatory steps, including preparing an application for nuclear installation authorisation and scaling its workforce and research facilities in Grenoble. The funding round was co-led by At One Ventures and Supernova Invest, demonstrating investor confidence in the technical maturity of Stellaria's molten-salt reactor.
The Stellarium reactor is designed to offer several benefits. Its fuel regeneration capabilities make it self-sufficient, reducing the need for refueling. The reactor design also aims to destroy more long-lived nuclear waste, specifically minor actinides, than it creates—achieving a closed fuel cycle that significantly reduces nuclear waste.
Moreover, the Stellarium has the potential to cut CO2 and particulate emissions from industrial sites by up to 99%, contributing to decarbonization. By replacing fossil-fuel-based industrial and grid energy sources, it could play a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
Technically, the reactor features passive cooling via natural convection and four physical containment barriers, enhancing its safety profile. Its energy density reportedly exceeds lithium-ion batteries by 70 million times.
With this funding, Stellaria plans to double its workforce to accelerate R&D and establish a research laboratory in Grenoble. The investment will also support the application for safety approvals for the construction of Stellaria's prototype, with the first fission reaction expected by 2029. The first commercial unit of the Stellarium is expected by 2035.
Nicolas Breyton, CEO of Stellaria, stated that this funding opens up a new path towards the circular economy of the fuel cycle. He further added that it is a key step towards the sustainable reindustrialisation of Stellaria's territory.
Existing investors, including CEA Investissements and Schneider Electric, also participated in the funding round, further underscoring the potential of Stellaria's technology. This investment marks a significant milestone in Stellaria's journey towards a greener, more sustainable energy future.
[1] Stellaria. (2022). Stellaria raises €23m to accelerate the commercial deployment of its fourth-generation nuclear reactor. Retrieved from https://stellaria.energy/stellaria-raises-23m-to-accelerate-the-commercial-deployment-of-its-fourth-generation-nuclear-reactor/ [2] Stellaria. (2022). Stellaria Secures €10 Million in Non-Dilutive Financing from France 2030. Retrieved from https://stellaria.energy/stellaria-secures-10-million-in-non-dilutive-financing-from-france-2030/ [3] Stellaria. (2022). Stellaria's fourth-generation nuclear reactor to power electro-intensive industries for self-sufficiency. Retrieved from https://stellaria.energy/stellarias-fourth-generation-nuclear-reactor-to-power-electro-intensive-industries-for-self-sufficiency/
Science and technology have played pivotal roles in Stellaria's ambitious project to revolutionize the energy sector. The company's technologically advanced fourth-generation nuclear reactor, the Stellarium, is expected to reduce nuclear waste, generate power without refueling for more than 20 years, and significantly contribute to decarbonization by cutting CO2 emissions.
