Blykalla and ABB strengthen their partnership.

Swedish lead-cooled small modular reactor technology developer Blykalla and global engineering firm ABB have entered into a Joint Development Agreement, representing a crucial advancement in their collaboration and formalizing their partnership.

In October 2024, Blykalla and ABB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to evaluate how ABB's automation, electrification, and digitalization solutions could enhance Blykalla's small modular reactor (SMR) prototype SEALER-E, which utilizes an electric lead-cooled reactor. This includes implementing cybersecurity frameworks to comply with nuclear safety standards. The two companies previously signed an MoU in September of last year to expedite the deployment of lead-cooled SMRs in the maritime sector.

With the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) finalized, the collaboration transitions into a new phase defined by structured project plans, a joint Steering Committee, and established ownership principles for the technologies developed.

Under the JDA, Blykalla and ABB will collaborate on critical elements of the electrical prototype reactor while also laying the groundwork for partnership on the demonstration reactor and commercial units. This agreement shifts their cooperation from exploratory discussions to organized joint development, featuring well-defined project frameworks, governance, and intellectual property management. It also establishes a strong foundation for collaborative R&D and sets a clear course for deeper technical and commercial integration.

Additionally, the agreement designates ABB as a key partner for automation, control systems, and control room equipment within the specified scope, subject to separate supply agreements. This enhances the industrial foundation for the SEALER project and reinforces the goal of integrating Blykalla's reactor technology with ABB's automation and electrical expertise.

"The Joint Development Agreement offers the necessary contractual framework to promote the development of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective nuclear solutions at plant scale, reflecting a shared long-term commitment to introducing next-generation nuclear technology to the market," stated Blykalla.

"ABB has been a significant partner from the beginning, and this JDA represents the natural progression in a deepening partnership," remarked Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman. "This industrial support is precisely what SEALER requires to achieve commercial viability and expedite deployment."

Daniela Bok, Local Division Manager of ABB's Energy Industries division in Sweden, commented, "The early involvement of our engineers and nuclear specialists allows us to co-create the next generation of technology. It illustrates the effectiveness of a strategic partnership. Nuclear energy offers consistent baseload power generation that supports a stable energy grid. With increasing electricity demand, nuclear power presents a reliable, low-carbon option as part of the future energy landscape."

Blykalla originated as a spin-off from KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been developed since 1996. Established in 2013 as a joint stock company, Blykalla is working on the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor). A demonstration SEALER (SEALER-D) is set to provide a thermal output of 80 MW. The company aims for its first commercial reactor, the 140 MWt SEALER-55, to be operational by the early 2030s.