Lightbridge received a Notice of Allowance from the Eurasian Patent Office for its multi‑zone nuclear fuel rod design, covering additive‑manufacturing methods that create fuel rods with distinct radial and axial zones of varying compositions of refractory metals and alloys, including zirconium alloys combined with uranium, plutonium, or thorium.
The patent stems from PCT application WO2023034173A1 filed in August 2022 and is the first step in Lightbridge’s strategy to deliver metallic fuel that can be used in existing light‑water reactors and emerging small modular reactors. The multi‑zone structure is intended to optimize performance and safety, potentially enabling power uprates of 10‑17% for existing reactors and up to 30% for new builds.
Lightbridge’s CEO Seth Grae said the allowance strengthens the company’s intellectual‑property portfolio in Eurasia, a region with more than 40 operating reactors and ambitious expansion plans. The Eurasian Patent Office provides unified protection across member states, simplifying the company’s licensing strategy.
The company has long‑term framework agreements with Battelle Energy Alliance and the Department of Energy’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear program, and is collaborating with MIT and Texas A&M on university‑led studies. The patent approval is a milestone on the roadmap toward irradiation testing, pilot fabrication, and eventual commercial deployment of Lightbridge Fuel.
Lightbridge remains in the development stage and has not yet generated revenue. In its most recent quarterly report, the company posted a net loss of $2.4 million for Q2 2024, driven by increased research and development and general‑administrative expenses. The patent allowance is expected to support future licensing and partnership opportunities that could accelerate the company’s path to commercialization.
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