Taipei:National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) has entered into an agreement with U.S. nuclear microreactor developer NuCube Energy to explore the replacement of the university's aging Tsing Hua Open-pool Reactor (THOR).
According to Focus Taiwan, the collaboration will focus on assessing technology, research applications, and deployment feasibility to continue supporting nuclear education, research, and medical services at the university. This includes exploring potential applications such as boron neutron capture therapy for cancer treatment and isotope production.
The agreement was signed by NTHU President W. John Kao and NuCube CEO Cristian Rabiti at a news conference in Taipei. This marks an initial step toward the potential deployment of a NuCube microreactor to replace the THOR, which has been operational since 1961 and is expected to be decommissioned by 2040. Yeh Tsung-kuang, dean of NTHU's College of Nuclear Science, highlighted the mutual benefits of the partnership, noting that the university aims to understand NuCube's reactors better while contributing to expanding their research and medical applications.
Rabiti announced plans for NuCube's first deployment by the end of 2029, emphasizing the commencement of collaborative efforts with the signing of the agreement. NTHU intends to install a reactor within two years of NuCube achieving commercial operations in the United States, with ongoing contacts with Taiwan's Nuclear Safety Commission.
Additionally, NuCube is collaborating with Idaho State University on a research and test reactor project aimed at education and technology demonstration. NTHU plans to involve Taiwanese manufacturers in the supply of equipment and components, sharing deployment experiences and offering technical advice to interested companies.
The agreement follows comments from President Lai Ching-te in a podcast, emphasizing the need for safety assurances, a nuclear waste solution, and public consensus before restarting existing nuclear reactors. Lai stressed the importance of considering all energy sources without ideological bias and prioritizing environmental sustainability.
On the topic of workforce development, Yeh noted unprecedented interest in NTHU's Institute of Nuclear Engineering and Science, with 66 applicants for 11 spots this year, reflecting a shift in policy climate and growing interest in nuclear studies.