First Hydrogen Corp. has announced the initiation of a focused technical research programme aimed at identifying non-radioactive surrogate molten-salt fuel mixtures.
These mixtures will serve as safe stand-ins for uranium-based salts in early lab-scale experiments, marking a critical first step in the company’s small modular reactor (SMR) development strategy.
The project is being led by Professor Muhammad Taha Manzoor at the University of Alberta.
Commenting on the research, Manzoor said: “We are excited to officially kick-start this project on molten salt fuels with First Hydrogen.
“We intend to bring in world-class researchers and incorporate low-hazard approaches into our lab-scale experimentation while supporting First Hydrogen’s future objectives for molten-salt fuels in SMRs.”
Advancing lab-scale reactor development
This research phase will guide First Hydrogen’s next R&D activities, including laboratory setup, experimental planning, and collaboration with material suppliers.
By developing surrogate molten-salt fuels, the team intends to replicate the thermophysical properties of uranium-bearing salts while avoiding the regulatory and safety complexities associated with radioactive materials.
The goal is to identify mixtures that are practical for near-term lab evaluation and early prototype testing.
Balraj Mann, CEO of First Hydrogen, added: “This non-radioactive work helps us de-risk future R&D by identifying practical surrogate salts for lab prototypes.
“It is the first step that aligns with our longer-term vision of pairing firm, clean energy for data centres, AI, green hydrogen production, while also providing a source of fuel for use in all SMRs.”
Comprehensive analysis of candidate mixtures
First Hydrogen and its technical advisors will conduct an extensive review and consultative process to select suitable molten-salt fuel candidates.
Professor Manzoor’s team will assess factors such as availability, procurement pathways, tariffs, export restrictions, and other regulatory requirements to ensure that the selected surrogate fuels can be effectively sourced and tested.
The promise of molten-salt fuel in nuclear energy
Molten-salt fuels have been gaining attention for their potential to revolutionise nuclear energy.
Unlike conventional solid fuel rods, molten salts circulate through the reactor core, enhancing heat transfer and offering inherently safer operating conditions.
These salts are stable at high temperatures and low pressures, which reduces the risk of high-pressure accidents and supports the design of smaller, modular reactors – key features for the next generation of SMRs.
With this research, First Hydrogen aims to lay the groundwork for the safe, efficient, and scalable deployment of molten-salt technologies, bringing the promise of flexible nuclear power one step closer to reality.
