In November 2024, in Petten (The Netherlands), I reconvened the GEMINI 4.0 consortium to share the progress made toward achieving the objectives of our GEMINI 4.0 project: confirming that a GEMINI+ system can safely and efficiently decarbonize various industrial activities through nuclear cogeneration of process steam, electricity, and hydrogen at the required large scale. The meeting was hosted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Petten (The Netherlands), a project partner analyzing how nuclear energy innovations can shape future European energy policies.
Technical Highlights
Reactor Design
The reactor core was optimized concerning size, neutron damage to the pressure vessel, maximum fuel temperature, and vessel head integrity. Potential consequences of hot streaking on thermal fatigue of reactor internals were evaluated. Recommendations on instrumentation helped define a test plan for a demonstrator. The thermal stability of boron carbide, used as a burnable absorber, was tested under accident-relevant conditions. The readiness of existing Codes and Standards for HTGR was assessed, identifying some remaining gaps—particularly regarding the suitability of existing design codes for components made of graphite and ceramic composites.
Poly-Generation Plants
Flowsheets for poly-generation plants in flexible future energy systems were developed, incorporating different hydrogen production methods and options for their integration. The technical maturity, production capacity, efficiency, and further development needs of these systems were evaluated in combination with a GEMINI+ reactor, providing input for an upcoming techno-economic analysis. The significant existing market and future potential for hydrogen and hydrogen-derived products were described in detail.
Fuel Cycle
A GEMINI+ reactor will use TRISO fuel with HALEU UO2, necessitating specific new production facilities. HALEU supply, fuel fabrication, quality control, and qualification methods were investigated to meet regulatory requirements and evaluate the readiness of the European supply chain for the reference fuel product and fuel cycle. Fuel cycle back-end management options were also explored, along with alternative fuel options.
Licensing
Safety requirements for the core design and instrumentation of a GEMINI+ plant for nuclear cogeneration were formulated to meet the specific standards of nuclear reactors intended for applications beyond electricity generation. The path and conditions for licensing an HTGR at the European level are being developed, building on past and ongoing nuclear project evaluations.
Communicating about our impact
Our project Advisory Committee is regularly informed of GEMINI 4.0 progress, while the project continuously disseminates the latest updates via our online channels (website, LinkedIn etc.,), collaborative initiatives such as the SNETP and other related events. We presented key outcomes at the HTR 2024 conference in Beijing (September 2024) via three publications, which are available upon request:
- GEMINI 4.0: A project for developing poly-generation of hydrogen, process heat, and electricity for industry.
- Irradiated fuel and graphite waste management strategies for GEMINI+.
- Proposal for a Licensing Approach of a Prototype HTR Reactor in Europe.
Please do not hesitate to send us a request to obtain a publication via:
‘contact@gemini-initiative.com’
We look forward to presenting the full project outcomes at the final consortium meeting in May 2025 in Lyon, France.
Michel PASQUET, Framatome, Coordinator of GEMINI 4.0
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