Key Issue: Lack of Fabrication Capability for Module Fabrication
Most advanced reactor designs are leveraging modular construction, which will reduce the amount of construction at a reactor site and rely more on factory fabrication. However, the supply chain is not ready to meet the increasing need for larger modularized sections of facilities/plants driven by advanced reactor construction.
Priority
1
Status
On Track
Address strategically important modular capabilities and capacity demand gaps via joint investments of the fabricators, owners, and developers to establish necessary capabilities.
Action Owner: Developers, Suppliers, Owner/Operators
Need Date: 2028
Key Issue: Small Forging Facilities Inadequate to Handle Demand
Although the United States and Canada have capabilities to support smaller forgings, piping, and other components, these capabilities will be strained as construction and deployment of advanced reactors proceed. Additionally, for many of the nuclear components, these suppliers will need to acquire and maintain their certifications to fabricate nucleargrade components.
Priority
1
Status
On Track
Increase the capacity of small forging capacity:
1) Document current domestic/regional production capabilities and the projected need for small forging facilities. Identify specific production and capability gaps.
2) Connect candidate forgers with developers via workshops and industry events to establish shared demand and economies to establish and/or re-establish.
3) Bring together gaps, industry demand, and candidate manufacturers with applicable funding opportunities and initiatives under the IRA and similar funding opportunities
4) Form new or join existing consortiums to establish necessary forging capabilities and proof of concept research with shared resources.
Action Owner: NGOs, Industry Groups, Labs, Developers, Suppliers, Owner/Operators
Need Date:
- 2023
- 2023 - 2030
- 2023 - 2030
- 2030
Key Issue: Shortage of Nuclear Grade Components
The supply chain for nuclear-grade (Appendix B-Compliant QA Program and N-Stamp qualified manufacturers) components, although generally available for the current operating fleet, needs to be expanded to meet advanced reactor needs. To secure manufacturer/supply source for needed nuclear-grade components, a plan should be identified and executed. The plan should include feedback from interested stakeholders and should be endorsed by the regulators.
Priority
1
Status
On Track
Establish a sufficient supply of nuclear grade components:
1) Document current domestic/regional capabilities and the projected need for nuclear grade components. Identify gaps
2) Launch domestic/regional "Nuclear Grade Supplier Development Program(s)". Use this service to help non-nuclear suppliers.
3) Establish and/or contribute to task groups in nuclear codes & standards to enable procurement of low risk-significant or low safety-significant components with reduced auditing burden.
4) Expand upon establish processes to procure low risk-significant or low safety-significant components from non-nuclear suppliers.
Action Owner: NGOs, Industry Groups, Labs, Suppliers, Standards Orgs
Need Date:
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025 - 2028
- 2023 - 2028
Key Issue: Specific Materials Supply Chain Gaps
Specific components needed for advanced reactors, especially for the nuclear island, might be affected by supply chain issues. Materials identified include nuclear graphite, helium, sodium, molten salts, and beryllium. To secure sources for needed nuclear-grade materials, input from nuclear-grade manufacturing vendors and national laboratories should be collected to establish the basis for implementing expansion or starting up new capabilities, and a plan to establish at least one manufacturer/supplier of the nuclear-grade materials should be developed and executed.
Priority
2
Status
On Track
Establish competent material supply chains with production capacity:
1) Document current domestic/regional production capabilities and the projected need for specific materials. Identify specific production and capability gaps.
2) Connect candidate manufacturers with developers via workshops and industry events to establish shared demand and economies to establish and/or re-establish production lines.
Action Owner: NGOs, Industry Groups, Suppliers
Need Date:
- 2023-2024
- 2024-2025
Key Issue: Commercialization of Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
Advanced manufacturing technologies are being considered during design, but they have not reached commercial maturity yet. In that regard, the United States is well positioned in developing advanced manufacturing for nuclear: powder metallurgy–hot isostatic pressing, directed energy deposition additive, electron beam welding, diode laser cladding, and special materials development capable of handling the corrosive and high-temperature conditions of advanced reactor designs. All of the aforementioned are currently under development. However, these technologies need to be commercialized on an industrial scale to support the deployment of a fleet of advanced reactors.
Priority
2
Status
On Track
Commercialize advanced manufacturing capabilities:
1) Document current domestic/regional capabilities and projected demand. Identify gaps and develop plans to close said gaps for strategic advanced manufacturing technologies that address other manufacturing gaps.
2) Provide proof of concept research and prototype demonstrations for strategic and high MRL/TRL techniques.
3) Qualify strategic techniques and materials in codes & standards and regulatory bodies based on deployment timeline and demand.
4) Connect designers, developers, OEMs, and advanced manufacturers via workshops and industry events to tie demand with capabilities.
Action Owner: NGOs, Industry Groups, Developers, Suppliers
Need Date:
- 2023
- 2023-2028
- 2024-2030
- 2023-2030