By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of the San Rafael Energy Research Center
Weeks after Valar Atomics announced that an advanced nuclear test reactor would be coming to the San Rafael Energy Research Center, a memorandum between the state of Utah and Idaho-based NuCube Energy has paved the way for the test run of a new microreactor at the facility.
NuCube’s fission reactor utilizes tristructural-isotropic (TRISO) fuel and heat pipe technology to create high temperatures and produce energy. According to the company,” NuCube’s nuclear reactor can produce electricity via high-temperature heat greater than 1,000 degrees Celsius. It is the only reactor that can compete with natural gas for high-temperature industrial customers.”
The extreme heat created by the reactor can be utilized in other industrial processes – something the company believes makes the reactor “provide double value.”
“Utah has an enormous amount of momentum as it explores how best to leverage nuclear energy to meet the needs of its residents and businesses,” said Cristian Rabiti, Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder of NuCube Energy. “NuCube’s innovative reactor is ideal for Utah and we’re looking forward to bringing the highest temperature application for nuclear energy to the state for the first time. We are especially excited to be working with USREL given its proven track record of demonstrating advanced power generation technologies including a supercritical carbon dioxide power cycle.”
The San Rafael Energy Center – which the state purchased in 2024 – has been home to several research projects since its opening in 2022
This addition continues Gov. Spencer Cox’s energy plan, Operation Gigawatt, which aims to double energy production in Utah over the next 10 years.
NuCube’s reactors are designed to operate independently from existing power grids, a feature the company states will be “transformative” in rural areas.
“The (Utah San Rafael Energy Lab) has the space and equipment necessary to host projects like NuCube Energy’s test reactor,” said Emy Lesofski, Utah Office of Energy Development director. “The lab will be a site for a variety of research projects that focus on keeping our energy clean, affordable, reliable and sustainable. The research at (San Rafael Energy Lab) will play a critical role in bringing promising technologies to market safely and quickly so the state can continue to increase its reliable and clean energy supply, while also working with local community members. We’re particularly excited about NuCube’s technology because of the opportunities around research it will afford.”
With the continued progression of nuclear technology making its way to Emery County, the Emery County Board of Commissioners is hosting a public hearing on Tuesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. in the Emery County Administration building to gauge public interest in the future of the nuclear industry in the county.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the hearing will be available on YouTube at KOAL–Castle Country Focus.