Blykalla and IFE partner to advance key primary systems for scalable SMR deployment

Press ReleaseApril 29, 2025

Blykalla and the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) have entered into a strategic collaboration to accelerate the technical development of Blykalla’s lead-cooled small modular reactor, SEALER.

The collaboration focuses on a number of critical areas that are essential for scaling SEALER from prototype to full commercial readiness. These include the development of control room and operator environments, based on modern Human Factors Engineering principles, as well as the design of instrumentation and control systems to enable remote and autonomous operation. IFE will also contribute to the engineering of core mechanical components, such as shutdown assemblies and fuel handling systems, and support the design of radiation shielding to meet rigorous regulatory requirements.

Prototype development and component testing will be a central part of the work, helping to mature instrumentation of core, primary system and auxiliary systems, and reduce the technical risks associated with licensing and deployment. Together, Blykalla and IFE aim to speed up the transition from low technology readiness levels to the industrial standards needed for commercial rollout.

"We’re proud to work with the renowned research institute IFE. Strengthening Scandinavian collaboration feels both vital and natural at a time when technological sovereignty is becoming central to industrial growth and long-term sustainability. Partnerships between leading actors can make all the difference in bringing new technologies to market and securing a clean energy future for our region."

— Jacob Stedman, CEO of Blykalla

By combining Blykalla’s innovative reactor design with IFE’s world-leading expertise in nuclear systems engineering, the partnership aims to unlock the next stage in SMR deployment — turning advanced concepts into certified, buildable technology.

"We’re pleased that our competence and expertise will be used in the next stage of the nuclear area. Partnership with Blykalla allows them to take research into innovation and allows us to get firsthand learning of future research gaps."

— Bjørn Axel Gran, Vice President at IFE Nuclear

The long-term vision is ambitious. Blykalla plans to deploy up to 1,000 SMRs by 2050, delivering 500 TWh of clean energy annually to industrial users that cannot rely on intermittent power sources. SEALER is designed to serve sectors such as hydrogen production, process heat, and pyrolysis, with the potential of significantly reducing global CO₂ emissions and securing industrial resilience and growth.

Initial joint development will take place in Sweden and Norway, with further phases aligned to SEALER’s licensing and industrialization timeline.

About Blykalla

Blykalla is Sweden's only developer of advanced SMRs, commercializing lead-cooled fast reactors for industrial use. Based on 20+ years of research, their SEALER technology is a compact 55 MWe unit designed to offer a safe, efficient, and scalable power solution. With a strong foundation within Sweden, Blykalla is well positioned to deliver Europe's first advanced SMR, providing reliable and sustainable baseload energy to power AI and clean industries.

With strong backing from partners such as Uniper, ABB, OKG, and the Royal Institute of Technology, Blykalla is currently constructing their electrical prototype in Oskarshamn, Sweden. The company plans to achieve criticality for its first SEALER reactor by 2030 and begin serial production in the 2030s. Once deployed, Blykalla aims to generate up to 500 TWh of clean electricity annually, cutting global CO₂ emissions by 0.5 gigatons each year.

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Teorell, Head of Marketing
press@blykalla.com

About IFE

Since 1948, IFE has been a frontrunner in international energy and nuclear security research. The knowledge we have developed is implemented on most major nuclear installations onthe northern hemisphere and has contributed across industries to e.g. to save the petroleum industry several hundred billion Norwegian kroner. We have been engaged in the development of ground-breaking cancer medicine, new solutions in renewable energy, more energy-efficient industrial processes, zero-emission transport solutions, and future-oriented energy systems. Our research has led to better nuclear safety around the world and has also been key in leading research on energy and materials in Norway. At IFE, we build bridges between research, education, and industry. We have extensive infrastructure and full-scale laboratories where theoretical models are transformed into commercial activities.

For further information, please contact:

Linda Sofie Lunde-Hanssen, Department Head at IFE Nuclear

Phone: +47 993 52 262

Email: linda.lunde-hanssen@ife.no

Edvin Nordheim Edvardsen, Senior advisor and communications at IFE Nuclear

Phone: +47 99110008

Email: edvin.edvardsen@ife.no