Blue Capsule Starts Building Sodium Test Loop ELISE
Updated Published Cached
Construction of ELISE test loop begins in France – Blue Capsule Technology has started building the ELISE full‑size sodium test rig at Peyrolles‑en‑Provence, working with France’s CSTI Groupe on the project [1].
ELISE will mimic reactor conditions up to 750 °C – The nine‑metre‑high installation will replicate the high‑temperature reactor environment, reaching 750 °C, to collect data on thermo‑hydraulics and natural circulation of liquid sodium [1].
SMR design targets 150 MW heat, 50 MW electricity – The sodium‑cooled, high‑temperature small modular reactor aims to deliver 150 MW of heat at 700 °C, steam/vapour to 650 °C, and 50 MW of electricity, with a 60‑year design life and an industrial heat cost goal of USD 60 per MWh [1].
Prototype and reactor construction scheduled for 2027‑2030 – Blue Capsule plans a proof‑of‑concept sodium loop and a non‑nuclear prototype by 2030, with the first reactor construction slated for 2029‑30 and deployment in the early 2030s [1].
TRISO fuel chosen for safety and economics – The reactor will use low‑enriched (<5 %) TRISO fuel, a decision reinforced by a November agreement with Framatome to advance TRISO cooperation, enhancing safety and reducing material volume compared with gas‑cooled designs [1].
Project cleared Phase 2 review, backed by multiple partners – In May 2025 the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority moved the project to Phase 2 (Preparatory Review); partners include CEA, Framatome, Egis, CSTI Groupe, DigIntel, Robatel, Laborelec and Mersen [1].
- Domnin Erard, Technical Director, Blue Capsule – “ELISE will replicate the conditions of the Blue Capsule high‑temperature reactor (HTR), with temperatures reaching 750 °C… and provide valuable data on thermo‑hydraulics and the natural circulation of liquid sodium at high temperatures.”
- Edouard Hourcade, President, Blue Capsule – Described ELISE as “the first of its kind” in France, noting it will be open to “institutional or commercial” users and calling it “a milestone for our company and a sign of steady progress.”