PyroGenesis obtains plasma nuclear waste use contract

Executive Summary

• PyroGenesis Inc. has signed an initial design phase contract with a confidential European organization specializing in radioactive waste processing and nuclear decommissioning.
• The contract focuses on the development of a plasma furnace designed for the destruction and treatment of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) and very-low-level radioactive waste (VLLW).
• The project aims to define technical specifications, sizing, and design parameters for a subsequent engineering and build phase, with a timeline of approximately four months.

Key Details

• Contract Scope: The agreement covers an engineering study, simulations, and design to evaluate a plasma torch furnace in comparison with an electric arc furnace.
• Purpose: To define technical specifications, sizing, and design parameters for a plasma-equipped furnace and related peripheral components required for a potential radioactive waste vitrification and treatment plant in Europe.
• Timeline: The design phase is expected to last approximately four months.
• Customer Profile: The customer is a major European entity with decades of experience in nuclear facility decommissioning and the safe treatment/storage of radioactive materials; their name is withheld for competitive and confidentiality reasons.
• Market Context:
  • The EU depends on nuclear power for approximately 24% of its electricity.
  • The EU has approximately 100 nuclear reactors across 12 countries.
  • Nuclear installed capacity in the EU is projected to grow from 98 GWe in 2025 to approximately 109 GWe by 2050.
  • Low-level waste (LLW) constitutes approximately 61% of stored radioactive waste volume in the EU, while very-low-level waste (VLLW) accounts for approximately 30%.
  • Combined LLW and VLLW represent approximately 90% of all stored radioactive waste in the EU.
• Strategic Impact: The contract positions PyroGenesis to address the growing need for safe, effective, low-carbon, incineration-free solutions for radioactive waste treatment as nuclear capacity expands.

Notable Quotes

• "With the renewed emphasis on nuclear power around the world, the need for systems that can safely process and treat low-level radioactive waste should continue to grow," said Peter Pascali, president and chief executive officer of PyroGenesis. "All-electric plasma furnaces designed and built by PyroGenesis represent a potential opportunity for low carbon, incineration-free solutions that can reduce the burden on landfills and other types of radioactive handling options."