The two companies will explore using IMSR plant technology for diverse industrial applications, including powering AI data centres. Credit: dotshock / Shutterstock.

British energy company Viaro Energy and the US-based Terrestrial Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) nuclear project in the UK.

The collaboration aims to deliver reliable, emission-free and cost-competitive nuclear energy, leveraging advanced reactor technology.

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Terrestrial Energy CEO Simon Irish stated: “Viaro and Terrestrial Energy share a strategic vision that a large expansion of nuclear energy supply is required to achieve energy security and net zero emission goals and that small and modular power plants employing advanced Generation IV technologies such as IMSR can lead this expansion.”

Viaro and Terrestrial Energy will explore the deployment of IMSR plant technology for industrial applications, including powering AI data centres.

The companies will jointly evaluate factors such as siting, regulatory compliance, macroeconomic conditions and policy environment to confirm the project’s viability.

They will also identify and assess potential sites for the IMSR plant.

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The intent is to form a joint venture for the project’s delivery in the UK, with Viaro providing infrastructure and investment, while Terrestrial Energy will be responsible for the nuclear system’s development and procurement.

Although the project’s timeline is subject to external factors, a final investment decision is anticipated by 2030.

The operation of an IMSR plant is expected to create over 120 jobs, with additional employment opportunities during construction and within the supply chain. The IMSR technology utilises standard assay low-enriched uranium, which is enriched to below 5% uranium-235.

This fuel type, already accepted for civilian reactor use, supports the early deployment of IMSR plants in various markets, including the US and Europe.

Viaro Energy CEO Francesco Mazzagatti stated: “We have now spent a year conducting market research of the different nuclear technology providers, and we believe Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR technology is among the most competitive ones currently out there.

“The Terrestrial Energy team has successfully circumnavigated a lot of the production and supply chain challenges that other companies struggle with, such as fuel supply, and their experience in this sphere is impressive.”