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Ampera Unveils 1st Full-Scale 3D-Printed Nuclear Reactor Module

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Ampera said on Thursday it had completed production of the first full-scale, 3D-printed nuclear reactor module, a move the firm says marks a critical step toward the mass manufacturing of modular nuclear energy.

The energy firm said its design uses a spherical, monolithic gyroid core manufactured from silicon carbide via additive manufacturing.

Ampera said the reactor is designed to produce up to 30 megawatts of electricity, with larger configurations under development.

The company said that safety is primarily achieved through inherent physics and core design, rather than through active cooling systems or operator intervention.

The reactor design is fuelled by tri-structural isotropic thorium kernels and is engineered for up to 30 years of operation without refueling.

Separately, Ampera said it has established an Australian subsidiary to help secure thorium supply and support future fuel production capabilities.

The company also outlined a broader "Power Now. Nuclear Next." strategy, which includes near-term modular gas-powered systems incorporating waste heat recovery and supercritical carbon dioxide technology.

Ampera said the systems share a high degree of commonality with its nuclear platform and are intended to generate early revenue ahead of nuclear deployment.

The company said its systems are targeted at energy-intensive sectors including artificial intelligence data centers, defense, industrial operations and maritime applications, as demand for reliable baseload power continues to rise globally.

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