Italy-based micro-modular reactor developer Terra Innovatum Srl is collaborating with U.S. engineering consultancy TechSource Inc to accelerate commercialization of its SOLO microreactor in the USA.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the two companies. TechSource will accelerate the introduction of Terra Innovatum’s SOLO micro-modular reactor through supply chain and regulatory advisory support, while expanding access to potential strategic investors, customers and US agency funding programs, including deployment pathways at the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
Under the MoU, Terra Innovatum and TechSource will work together on identifying and locating optimal sites for reactor assembly and deployment, optimize supply chain management, support Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) compliance, and engage with key stakeholders. These include the DoE, DoD, international laboratories, industry leaders, and institutional end users. The collaboration also prepares the way for potential co-investments in operational hubs, advanced manufacturing infrastructure, and strategic R&D partnerships.
Alessandro Petruzzi is the Terra Innovatum co-founder and CEO. He said, “This collaboration represents a pivotal milestone in advancing our SOLO MMR technology toward full-scale commercialization. TechSource’s deep network across US governmental agencies, expertise in nuclear material management and US regulatory knowledge will support our regulatory and commercial progress, while bolstering our federal funding and customer acquisition opportunities.”
Petruzzi added, “Together, we plan to strengthen our connection with industry leaders and national laboratories in the US to build a foundation for the widespread deployment of safe, modular nuclear power. Together, we are fast-tracking SOLO’s impact on a cleaner, more resilient global energy future.”
Brian D’Andrea is the TechSource Chairman and CEO. He said, “With decades of experience supporting the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, national laboratories, and public-sector institutions, we are uniquely positioned to help accelerate the commercialization and deployment of the SOLO micro-modular reactor.”
Terra Innovatum is developing its SOLO micro modular reactor design. It is intended to form the basis for a scalable modular energy platform from megawatt to gigawatt-class. A SOLO unit is designed to deliver approximately one megawatt. The reactor design features a solid heterogeneous composite moderator and is intended to accept both traditional zircaloy-clad low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel, LEU+ and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuels. Heat is removed by helium gas which eliminates the need for water for the reactor coolant system. The SOLO reactor is intended to feature autonomous operation, on-line safeguards-by-design, and a defense-in-depth structure of radiological barriers with the intent to minimize or eliminate emergency planning zone requirements beyond the operational boundary of the plant.
The NRC is currently involved in pre-application activities with Terra Innovatum.
Terra Innovatum says it anticipates that SOLO will be available globally within the next three years. It will offer “a wide range of versatile applications, providing CO2-free, behind-the-meter, and off-grid power solutions for data centers, mini-grids serving remote towns and villages, and large-scale industrial operations in hard-to-abate sectors”. It can also supply heat for industrial applications and other specialized processes, including water treatment, desalination and co-generation.