NC State releases feasibility study for new research and test reactor

North Carolina State University has completed a feasibility study for its planned advanced research and test reactor. The $3 million study, which was undertaken by the university at the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly, is described in the full report, includes recommendations and projected costs and timelines.

Reactor type: NC State prefers the new reactor to be of "a multipurpose advanced sodium-cooled mixed/coupled spectrum design," according to the report. Such a design would make the reactor "the only sodium-cooled fast research and test reactor in the country."

Reactor uses: The report lists the following potential uses for the new research and test reactor:

• The development of environmentally friendly sources of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.
• The redevelopment and advancement of the U.S. microelectronics industry by providing imaging and testing for chips.
• Nondestructive examination of materials (e.g., using neutron and radiation beam techniques).
• Limited research production of radioisotopes for industrial and medical use.
• Forensic and transmutation irradiation and testing to study damage mechanism for materials and support nonproliferation.
• Applications in fundamental science (e.g. fundamental nuclear physics and chemistry).
• Development of nuclear propulsion for deep space exploration.
• Training of the next generation of engineers and scientists for STEM-based careers.

Total capital cost: The report notes that the project, still in the preconceptual design phase, will require significant design, estimation, and engineering work to complete next steps.

It is estimated that the total capital cost for the new reactor facility will be $504 million, a figure that represents the current cost of construction, construction contingency, and design fees. The proposed work includes site preparation; design; licensing; and construction of the reactor building, hot cell complex, neutron beam hall, and supporting structures and infrastructure.

Timeline: According to the report, the proposed construction start date is July 2029, with a targeted end date of June 2034.

Next steps: With the feasibility study completed, NC State has recommended proceeding with advanced planning activities for the reactor, including reactor design, surveys, site characterization, safety and environmental assessments, and regulatory and stakeholder engagement.

Background: NC State is a university with rich ties to the nation's nuclear history. North Carolina State College established the first nuclear engineering curriculum in the U.S. in 1950; 10 years later, NC State established its Department of Nuclear Engineering.

The world's first academic research reactor, R-1, was constructed at NC State in 1950, followed by R-2, R-3, and R-4. Since 1972, the university has operated the 1-MW PULSTAR reactor, located in its Burlington Laboratory on the north campus in Raleigh. The reactor celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022.

The current feasibility study is, according to the university, "an important first step toward better positioning NC State-and in turn, North Carolina-to be a national frontrunner in advanced nuclear technology and moving the country toward global energy leadership."