NTS to Build World’s Highest Capability LOCA Chamber in Partnership with NuScale to Bring Carbon-Free Nuclear Technology to Market

Rhea-AI Summary

NuScale Power Corporation has partnered with National Technical Systems to develop the world’s first Loss of Coolant Accident (LOCA) chamber, designed to test components of its small modular reactor technology under high pressure and temperature. This collaboration aims to ensure compliance with Nuclear Regulatory Commission standards and facilitate the timely delivery of NuScale Power Modules by 2027. The chamber will be built in Huntsville, AL, marking a significant step toward deploying NuScale's innovative nuclear solutions globally, supporting cleaner energy production.

Positive

• Partnership with NTS signifies advancement in regulatory compliance for NuScale's technology.
• The LOCA chamber will enable critical testing for small modular reactor components, enhancing safety.
• The project aims for timely delivery of NuScale Power Modules by 2027, potentially increasing market competitiveness.

Negative

• None.

The advanced chamber will be used to qualify components of NuScale’s ground-breaking small modular reactor technology.

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- National Technical Systems, Inc. (“NTS”), the leading independent provider of qualification testing, inspection, and certification solutions in North America, is excited to announce a business collaboration agreement with NuScale Power Corporation (“NuScale”) to build a LOCA (Loss of Coolant Accident) chamber to bring carbon-free nuclear technology to market safely and efficiently. The chamber will be designed to test at a temperature of 700°F and a pressure of 1400 PSI. When completed, it will be the world’s first LOCA chamber capable of testing at this pressure.

NuScale, an innovative nuclear energy provider, manufactures small modular reactor (SMR) technology to bring scalable energy solutions to market in regions with physical limitations. By partnering with NTS, NuScale will be able to qualify components of its technology to ensure regulatory compliance. The agreement allows NTS to begin development of an Equipment Qualification (EQ) Test Chamber, which will allow NuScale to mimic the range of environmental conditions under which equipment is required to function in order to meet Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s and plant-specific requirements.

As part of the agreement, NTS will design, fabricate, and commission the EQ Chamber at its nuclear testing facility in Huntsville, AL. The chamber will support critical testing for equipment used in NuScale’s small modular reactor (SMR) under a schedule in order to enable the timely delivery of NuScale Power Modules to customers by 2027.

“This collaboration agreement marks yet another milestone in our company’s progress towards global deployment of our leading SMR technology,” said Scott Bailey, Vice President, Supply Chain. “With NTS’s expertise in nuclear-related testing and engineering along with NuScale’s innovative design, the two companies will demonstrate compliance with all industry requirements during equipment qualification.”

“NTS is honored that NuScale chose us in partnership to shape the future of the nuclear energy industry. We look forward to strengthening the industry alongside NuScale as we push the bounds of technology together," said Brad Ferguson, NTS’s Director of Strategic Development, Nuclear Division. With the development of the new LOCA chamber, NTS is in position to test and qualify other technologies in the future.

About National Technical Systems

National Technical Systems, Inc. (NTS) is the leading provider of qualification testing, inspection, and certification services in North America, serving a broad range of industries, including the civil aviation, space, defense, nuclear, telecommunications, industrial, electronics, medical, and automotive end markets. Since 1961, NTS has built the broadest geographic presence in the United States, offering more than 70 distinct environmental simulation and materials testing categories, including climatic, structural, dynamics, fluid flow, EMI/EMC, lightning, product safety, acoustics, failure analysis, chemical, and other industry-specific tests.

With 28 technologically advanced testing laboratories, this geographically diverse footprint puts NTS facilities in close proximity to its more than 8,000 clients, allowing NTS to serve the nation’s most innovative companies with industry-leading accessibility and responsiveness. NTS is accredited by numerous national and international organizations and operates its inspection division under the Unitek brand, providing a wide range of supply chain management services. NTS’s certification division, which operates under the NQA brand, is one of the largest and most respected global ISO registrars, with active certifications in more than 75 countries. For additional information about NTS, visit our website at www.nts.com or call 800-270-2516.

About NuScale Power

NuScale Power (NYSE: SMR) is poised to meet the diverse energy needs of customers across the world. It has developed small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear technology to supply energy for electrical generation, district heating, desalination, commercial-scale hydrogen production and other process heat applications. The groundbreaking NuScale Power Module™ (NPM), a small, safe pressurized water reactor, can generate 77 megawatts of electricity (MWe) and can be scaled to meet customer needs. NuScale’s 12-module VOYGR™-12 power plant is capable of generating 924 MWe, and NuScale also offers four-module VOYGR-4 (308 MWe) and six-module VOYGR-6 (462 MWe) power plants, as well as other configurations based on customer needs.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220728005346/en/

Jade Bunke, Vice President of Marketing

jade.bunke@nts.com

Source: National Technical Systems, Inc.

FAQ

What is the significance of the LOCA chamber for NuScale Power (SMR)?

The LOCA chamber will allow NuScale to test components of its small modular reactor technology under strict conditions, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing safety.

When is NuScale Power expected to deliver its Power Modules?

NuScale Power aims to deliver its Power Modules by 2027.

Who is collaborating with NuScale Power to build the LOCA chamber?

National Technical Systems (NTS) is collaborating with NuScale Power to develop the LOCA chamber.

What are the testing conditions for the new LOCA chamber?

The LOCA chamber will test at a temperature of 700°F and a pressure of 1400 PSI.

How does the LOCA chamber affect NuScale's market position?

The LOCA chamber enhances NuScale's ability to ensure safety and compliance, potentially improving its competitive position in the nuclear energy market.