HPT Explores Sustainable Power Conversion for Future Molten Salt Reactors
Researchers from the Heat and Power Technology (HPT) Division at KTH are actively engaged in advancing knowledge and collaboration around sustainable power conversion systems for future molten salt reactors (MSRs). Central to these efforts is HPTs partnership in the recently launched SPG-MSR project – a joint initiative with Siemens Energy funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, that focuses on the development of advanced power conversion systems and key components of nuclear MSRs, while also assessing the feasibility of dedicated research infrastructure capable of operating under representative MSR conditions. Building on these initiatives, HPT is actively engaging with industry and the wider European research community to exchange knowledge and contribute to ongoing discussions on MSR development and deployment.
Engagement with Industry: Technical Exchange at Siemens Energy’s headquarters in Finspång
On 18 May, researchers from HPT visited Siemens Energy’s headquarters in Finspång for a full day of technical discussions on the SPG-MSR project, focusing on power conversion systems for molten salt Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Discussions addressed the challenges and opportunities of integrating Generation IV molten salt reactors with advanced power cycles. In particular, Rankine, Brayton, and combined-cycle architectures were evaluated with respect to efficiency, operational flexibility, technology maturity, and future deployment potential. During the meeting, HPT researchers presented insights on corrosion mechanisms and material compatibility in nuclear-grade molten salts – critical aspects for the design and durability of heat exchangers and other key components operating under demanding conditions. After the workshop, the group toured Siemens Energy’s industrial facilities. This included visits to gas turbine assembly lines, turbine test facilities (where new units are validated), and the Zero Emission Hydrogen Centre.
Engagement with the European MSR Community at EUROMOST 2025
One week later, the SPG-MSR project was presented to the wider European MSR community at the first European Conference on Molten Salt Reactor Technology (EUROMOST) , held in Baden-Baden, Germany, from 25 to 29 May and organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission. The conference brought together researchers, industry representatives, regulators, and policymakers to discuss key aspects of MSR development, including technology readiness, deployment strategies, industrial development, and regulatory frameworks.
During the event, Davide Balzarini from the HPT Division participated in the poster session, presenting a study titled “Advancing Power Cycle Architectures and Components for Molten Salt SMRs: A Swedish Research Initiative”. The presentation introduced the objectives of the SPG‑MSR project and highlighted the role of power conversion systems, heat exchangers, and thermal energy storage in enabling the deployment of molten salt reactors, while showcasing preliminary results from ongoing performance evaluations and technology selection studies.
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