Blykalla and Höganäs have partnered to develop corrosion-resistant materials for the Swedish Advanced Lead-cooled Reactor (SEALER), a small modular reactor (SMR) designed for next-generation nuclear energy. The collaboration will focus on industrializing and qualifying advanced metal alloys that can withstand liquid lead environments, a critical requirement for SMR components. Höganäs will apply its expertise in metal powder technology to produce these specialized materials, working to scale laboratory-tested alloys for commercial use. The partnership highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen the supply chain for advanced reactor technology as demand for scalable, low-carbon energy solutions grows.
Blykalla focuses on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), with an emphasis on the Swedish Advanced Lead-cooled Reactor (SEALER). This innovative reactor design incorporates liquid lead cooling, aiming to provide safer and more efficient nuclear power solutions. Blykalla’s work centers on advancing nuclear technology and establishing partnerships to support the global shift towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Höganäs specializes in metal powder technologies. The company has a long history, dating back to 1797, and is known for producing materials used in a range of industries, including automotive, energy, and manufacturing. Höganäs develops and supplies metal powders for applications such as surface coatings, welding, and additive manufacturing, with a focus on material innovation and sustainability.
The partnership spans three key areas: industrialization, qualification, and commercialization. It focuses specifically on the industrial production of advanced corrosion-resistant materials needed to ensure the performance and durability of metal components in liquid lead environments.
Höganäs will leverage its world-leading expertise in advanced metal powder technologies to develop and produce corrosion-resistant alloys for cladding critical SEALER components, in particular tubular products. These efforts will involve optimizing laboratory-tested alloys for intended powder application processes, scaling them to industrial production, and meeting the stringent performance and safety standards required for liquid lead environments.
“This collaboration with Höganäs is an essential step in securing a strong and resilient value chain for SEALER technology,” said Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla. “With their leading expertise in material development and manufacturing, and their process know-how of metal powder applications, we have found a world-class partner in our alloy development.”
Blykalla and Höganäs will also work together to ensure the scalability and qualification of these materials for SMR deployment. The collaboration highlights the importance of building a reliable supply chain for advanced reactor technologies while driving broader innovation in clean energy.
“By combining our materials expertise with Blykalla’s innovative reactor technology, we are taking important steps toward making advanced SMRs a reality,” said Hans Keller, Division President Coating & Brazing Technologies, Höganäs. “Industrializing these solutions has the potential to unlock opportunities across multiple sectors, driving both sustainable growth and long-term prosperity.”
This partnership is one of the strategic collaborations that drive the advancement of the SEALER. It positions both companies as key contributors to next-generation clean energy systems in Europe and beyond, as global momentum for SMRs continues to grow in response to the increasing demand for scalable, clean, and reliable energy solutions.
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/blykalla-and-hoganas-partner/
