ADVANCED REACTORS | Li 6 AND Li 7
Enriched lithium and advanced nuclear
Countries like the US that are eyeing leadership in advanced nuclear technology face an urgent need to establish lithium isotope separation capabilities.
By Jackie Park
OFTEN LINKED TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EVs) and energy storage, lithium batteries have a significant role in the energy transition. But beyond its starring role, this critical element is also emerging as a linchpin in advanced nuclear technology. Several advanced nuclear technologies require lithium-6 (Li-6) and lithium-7 (Li-7), products of lithium isotope separation (or enrichment), achieved through methods such as the column exchange (COLEX) process. Li-6 is essential for breeding tritium, one of the primary fuels used in nuclear fusion. Meanwhile, Li-7 plays a crucial role in advanced fission systems such as molten salt reactors (MSRs), enhancing safety and efficient heat transfer. Li-7 is also added to the coolant in traditional pressurised water reactors (PWRs) – currently by far the most common type of reactor globally – to maintain proper pH and prevent corrosion. For both these applications, the Li-7 must be very pure to prevent tritium formation by neutron capture. “Enriched lithium is foundational to next-generation
nuclear energy,” says Charlie Jarrott, CEO and co-founder of US isotope enrichment technology start-up Hexium which uses technology based on Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation (AVLIS).
It is fair to challenge the urgency of securing enriched lithium supply, especially when many advanced nuclear technologies still face other significant hurdles to becoming commercially viable. However, the industry continues to move forward despite doubts, and the question of fuel supply cannot wait until those systems are ready. If the promise of fully commercial advanced nuclear is to be realised, the work to lay the groundwork must begin now.
Lithium enrichment back in the spotlight Once a niche concern of nuclear weapons programmes, lithium isotope separation is back in the spotlight – driven by breakthroughs in nuclear energy. The drive towards advanced nuclear power reactor designs is rapidly expanding across the world with fusion technologies prominent. Nuclear fusion saw a historic surge in deal- making in 2022, worth $133bn, according to GlobalData and since that record-breaking year, the industry has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2024, supply chain spending by fusion companies nearly doubled to $434m from around $250m in 2023. Governments supporting research and development in fusion and its supply chain – such as France which is hosting the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project – also showcase clear
Above: Lithium is emerging as a linchpin of the energy transition, including its use in EVs, energy storage and advanced nuclear technology Photo credit: Peter Hermes Furian via Shutterstock
30 | October 2025 |
www.neimagazine.com
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