National Tsing Hua University and NuCube agree to explore research microreactor
The Taiwan university is assessing whether NuCube technology could eventually succeed its aging research reactor and support medical and research work.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and US developer NuCube Energy signed an agreement in Taipei on October 19 to assess microreactor technology and possible deployment at the Taiwan university. The work could help NTHU plan a successor to its aging research reactor, but the agreement establishes an assessment, not a decision to install one.
The agreement covers technical exchanges, research applications and deployment feasibility. NTHU said the work would help it sustain nuclear education, research and medical services, according to the Taipei Times. University President W. John Kao and NuCube chief executive Cristian Rabiti signed the agreement at a news conference.
Why NTHU is considering a new research reactor
NTHU’s Tsing Hua Open-pool Reactor, known as THOR, began operating in 1961 and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2040, the Taipei Times reported. A potential NuCube reactor is being explored as a replacement. Yeh Tsung-kuang, dean of NTHU’s College of Nuclear Science, said the university wanted to understand NuCube’s reactors while its own expertise could help develop research and medical applications.
The possible medical uses include boron neutron capture therapy, a cancer treatment, and isotope production, NTHU said, according to the Taipei Times. NuCube’s release says the parties intend to examine two potential platforms: a NuSun-1 unit using thermophotovoltaic cells and a modified version for therapy, research and possible isotope production.
NuCube’s planned deployment and NTHU’s timeline
Rabiti told the news conference that NuCube planned its first deployment for the end of 2029, the Taipei Times reported. NTHU hopes to install a reactor within two years after NuCube achieves commercial operation in the United States, according to the newspaper. That timing depends on a future commercial milestone; the university has not announced an installation date.
NuCube says its factory-built NuSun design uses TRISO fuel and heat-pipe cooling. The company describes a separate first demonstration unit with Idaho State University under a US Department of Energy program. The NTHU agreement calls for assessing how the technology might be used at the university.
Yeh said NTHU had already contacted Taiwan’s Nuclear Safety Commission, the Taipei Times reported. NTHU also plans to invite Taiwanese manufacturers to participate in supplying equipment and components, and could share deployment experience with interested companies if the work advances. The university and NuCube must first carry out the technical and feasibility assessments set out in their agreement.
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Sources and context
- NTHU to explore research reactor development with NuCubeTaipei Times (staff writer, with CNA)
- NTHU Signs Exclusive Collaboration Agreement with NuCube Energy to Explore Deploying NuSun™ Microreactors for Power, Research, and Medical ApplicationsGlobeNewswire, press release issued by NuCube Energy and hosted by Yahoo Finance
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.