US startup Ampera has revealed a prototype 3D-printed thorium microreactor module designed to deliver up to 30 MWe of power continuously for up to 30 years, aiming to supply datacenters, defense sites, and off-grid locations with clean, factory-built nuclear energy.
- Thorium-fueled microreactor delivers up to 30 MWe for 30 years
- 3D-printed silicon carbide core enables factory-built mass production
- Target markets include datacenters, defense, and off-grid power
What happened
Ampera, a US-based startup, unveiled a prototype 3D-printed thorium microreactor module at its innovation center in Florida. The reactor features a silicon carbide core and pressure vessel produced via additive manufacturing, designed to deliver up to 30 MWe of power with an operational lifespan of up to 30 years without refueling. This represents a novel approach to nuclear energy, emphasizing factory-built modular reactors that are scalable and emission-free.
Why it matters
This development highlights the potential for advanced additive manufacturing to revolutionize nuclear reactor production by enabling complex core geometries that traditional methods cannot achieve. The use of thorium fuel offers a safer and cleaner alternative to conventional uranium reactors, reducing the risk of runaway reactions through its subcritical design.
The ability to provide reliable, long-duration power in a compact form factor meets growing demands from datacenters and defense sectors for resilient and carbon-neutral energy solutions. Factory-built reactors promise accelerated deployment timelines compared to traditional nuclear projects, addressing key energy security and environmental challenges.
What to watch next
Upcoming milestones include regulatory review and certification, alongside the scale-up of thorium fuel production leveraging Ampera’s Australian subsidiary. Monitoring the company’s ability to secure supply chains and finalize the neutron driver technology, which remains proprietary, will be crucial for commercial success.
The reaction from potential customers such as datacenter operators and defense agencies will also determine market adoption. The US Department of the Air Force’s ongoing interest in microreactors for energy resilience suggests prospective government partnerships or contracts to watch as Ampera prepares for deployment.