First Hydrogen begins SMR technical research

Executive Summary

• First Hydrogen Corp. has initiated a technical research partnership with the University of Alberta, led by Dr. Muhammad Taha Manzoor, to identify non-radioactive surrogate molten-salt fuel mixtures for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• The research aims to mimic the thermophysical behavior of uranium-bearing fuel salts to guide future R&D steps, including lab setup, test planning, and supplier engagement, without using uranium in this initial phase.
• The initiative is designed to derisk future R&D and align with First Hydrogen’s long-term vision of providing clean energy for data centers, AI infrastructure, and green hydrogen production.

Key Details

• Partnership: Collaboration between First Hydrogen Corp. and the University of Alberta.
• Lead Researcher: Dr. Muhammad Taha Manzoor.
• Objective: Identify and recommend non-radioactive surrogate molten-salt fuel mixtures for use in future lab-scale prototypes.
• Scope of Work:
  • Comprehensive review and consultative process to select candidate surrogate mixtures.
  • Detailed analysis to identify suitable molten-salt mixtures for SMRs.
  • Assessment of availability and procurement options, including potential supplies, tariffs, export controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Technical Focus:
  • Surrogates will mimic the thermophysical behavior of uranium-bearing fuel salts and base molten-salt mixtures.
  • Prioritization of mixtures suitable for near-term lab evaluation and early prototype development.
  • No uranium used in this phase.
• Strategic Context:
  • Molten-salt fuels offer efficient heat transfer, inherently safer operating conditions, stability at high temperatures/low pressures, and enable smaller, modular reactor designs.
  • Aligns with First Hydrogen’s vision to pair firm, clean energy with data centers, AI, and green hydrogen production.
  • Cites IEA report "Energy and AI" estimating data center electricity consumption to grow from 415 TWh in 2024 to 945 TWh by 2030.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Muhammad Taha Manzoor: "We are excited to officially kick-start this project on molten-salt fuels with First Hydrogen. We intend to bring in world-class researchers and incorporate low-hazard approaches into our lab-scale experimentation while supporting First Hydrogen's future objectives for molten-salt fuels in SMRs."
• Balraj Mann, CEO of First Hydrogen: "This non-radioactive work helps us derisk future R&D by identifying practical surrogate salts for lab prototypes. It is the first step that aligns with our longer-term vision of pairing firm, clean energy for data centres, AI [artificial intelligence], green hydrogen production while also providing a source of fuel for use in all SMRs."