Lightbridge Multi-Zone Fuel Element Granted Japanese Patent, Covering Fuel Assemblies and 3D Printing Manufacturing Methods

Advanced nuclear fuel technology company Lightbridge Corporation recently announced that its Japanese patent application for a "multi-zone fuel element" has been granted by the Japan Patent Office. The patent covers the fuel element design, fuel assemblies incorporating the design, and methods of producing the element via additive manufacturing, i.e., 3D printing.

According to the disclosure, the patent involves a fuel rod composed of three layers of different materials. The thickness of the three layers can vary along the length of the fuel rod, thereby regulating fuel performance at different positions in the reactor to enhance reactor operating performance and safety margins. In addition to the fuel rod itself, the patent also covers fuel assemblies for mounting these fuel rods, as well as the corresponding 3D printing manufacturing methods.

Lightbridge Chairman and CEO Seth Grae stated that Japan, with its substantial fleet of nuclear power plants and its inclusion of nuclear energy in energy security and decarbonization policy considerations, is an important market for the company. He said that this grant simultaneously covering the fuel rod, fuel assembly, and manufacturing method is significant for commercialization, protecting both the fuel product that utilities actually load into reactors and the process the company plans to use to produce that fuel.

According to available data, Japan currently has 32 nuclear reactors classified as operable, of which 15 have been approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority and restarted. Japan's national energy plan calls for nuclear power to account for approximately 20% of total electricity generation by fiscal year 2040, which could require up to 30 reactors to be in operation by that time.

Lightbridge stated that its advanced nuclear fuel technology has established a broad global patent portfolio covering multiple jurisdictions with significant nuclear power capacity. The company is developing the Lightbridge Fuel nuclear fuel technology, with target applications including existing light water reactors, pressurized heavy water reactors, and new small modular reactors.