Strontium-90 (Sr-90): Catalyst for Revolutionary Energy
Zeno Power has announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This collaboration is set to harness the potential of Strontium-90 (Sr-90), a move that is poised to revolutionize the field of radioisotope power systems (RPSs).
“By securing our initial fuel supply chain, we’re not just leading in RPS technology commercialization; we’re reshaping the future of sustainable power,” emphasized Tyler Bernstein, Co-Founder, and CEO of Zeno Power. This statement not only reflects the company’s commitment to innovation but also underscores its vision to redefine power dynamics in some of the most challenging environments.
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As this initiative unfolds, Zeno Power is not just preparing to meet the current demands of national security and space exploration missions but is also setting the stage to emerge as a trailblazer in the arena of clean, resilient energy solutions with a target set for 2026.
- Core Material: Strontium-90 (Sr-90)
- Collaborative Entities: DOE, OREM, UCOR
- Milestone Demonstration: October 2023, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
- Technological Breakthrough: Enhanced specific power (Wth/kg) of Sr-90 heat sources
- Anticipated Milestone: Delivery of initial RPS units by 2026
- Strategic Focus Areas: Space, Moon, Seabed operations
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Dynamic Partnership with DOE
At the heart of this partnership is the collaboration between Zeno Power and DOE’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM). The alliance focuses on repurposing the Sr-90 sourced from the decommissioned BUP-500 RPS. This strategic move is not just about recycling material; it’s about instilling new vigor into Zeno’s advanced RPSs, thereby contributing to the company’s mission of delivering sustainable energy solutions.
Frontier of Innovation
Zeno Power’s RPS technology stands out for its innovative design, which significantly amplifies the efficiency of Sr-90 heat sources. This leap in technology is not just a testament to the company’s pioneering spirit but is also a nod to its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, both on Earth and in space.
The successful demonstration of Zeno’s inaugural Sr-90 heat source at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in October 2023 marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey. This event confirmed the effectiveness of Zeno’s technology and set a new benchmark in the industry, highlighting the company’s role as a frontrunner in the RPS technology space.
Sustainability at Core
The ethos of Reduce, Recycle, and Revitalize runs deep in this partnership. By turning a DOE liability into a resource for progressive RPS technology, the collaboration between Zeno Power and DOE embodies a forward-thinking approach to sustainability. This initiative is not just about revitalizing Sr-90 RPS technology; it’s about setting new sustainability standards for the 21st century.
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Celebration of Synergy
The partnership was commemorated in Oak Ridge, Tenn., bringing together local community leaders and officials from DOE, DOD, NASA, and several other customers and stakeholders. This event was not just a celebration of the collaboration but also a testament to the collective commitment to driving innovation in the field of energy.
Zeno Power’s synergistic alliance with the DOE is not merely an advancement in RPS technology; it’s a transformative leap towards a sustainable, reliable energy future. As Zeno Power prepares to pioneer its RPSs into the market, it’s setting new standards for powering critical missions in the most demanding environments, marking a new chapter in the narrative of national security and space exploration.