Setting the Standard for Advanced Reactor Fuel Transport: NAC International Supports Delivery of First HALEU TRISO Fuel for Project Pele Using OPTIMUS-L System

Peachtree Corners, GA — NAC International Inc. (NAC) is proud to announce its pivotal role in the successful first delivery of High Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) TRISO fuel to support the Department of Defense’s Project Pele advanced reactor demonstration. The recently announced delivery of advanced nuclear fuel to the Idaho National Laboratory’s Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) Facility marks a significant achievement in advancing next-generation nuclear technologies. 

NAC provided specialized transportation services utilizing its OPTIMUS®-L transportation packaging system, the first high-capacity (>500 lb payload) packaging certified by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for HALEU TRISO fuel transport in the United States. With its superior volume-to-weight ratio, OPTIMUS-L offers a highly competitive solution for economically shipping commercial quantities of advanced reactor fuel with fewer packagings.

In this landmark operation, the entire initial core of the Project Pele reactor was transported using only four OPTIMUS-L systems in a single legal-weight truck shipment—a testament to the system’s efficiency and versatility. The shipment was completed without any damage to the fuel, ensuring the integrity of this critical material.

“This successful delivery demonstrates the unmatched capability of OPTIMUS®-L to meet the demanding requirements of advanced reactor developers and fuel fabricators,” said Kent Cole, NAC President and CEO. “We look forward to supporting future shipments as the industry moves toward deploying advanced reactors.”

David Schurr, Project Pele Program Manager for the U.S. Department of Defense Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), added: “The ease of use of NAC’s OPTIMUS-L packaging was a key factor in the success of this delivery. Its intuitive design enabled our teams to load and offload these critical materials safely, quickly, and efficiently - helping us maintain the highest standards of security and operational excellence for Project Pele.”

With this first delivery completed, NAC stands ready to provide ongoing transportation solutions that enable the safe, cost-effective movement of HALEU TRISO fuel for advanced reactor projects nationwide.

For more information about OPTIMUS® transportation packaging systems, please visit:

https://www.nacintl.com/solutions/transportation/transportation-systems/optimus

About NAC International

NAC International Inc. (www.nacintl.com) is a diversified corporation specializing in developing and licensing technology and providing full scope services for used nuclear fuel and radioactive materials packaging, storage, transport, and management. Since 1968, NAC has been a leader in providing solutions and services to the nuclear industry throughout the world, working with both government and commercial organizations. NAC provides a broad range of fuel cycle-related consulting and information services to clients worldwide. NAC maintains its corporate headquarters in Peachtree Corners, GA. NAC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kanadevia Corporation, a global leader in design and construction of environmental systems, industrial plants, industrial machinery, process equipment, infrastructure-related equipment, disaster prevention systems, and precision machinery.

For additional information on NAC International Inc. please visit: www.nacintl.com