A fuel cycle that
ensures safety and
waste management
Particle fuel
The generator's fuel is based
on so-called "Triso" particles
- Layers 1 & 3: carbon (high density)
- Layer 2: silicon carbide
- Porous carbon buffer
- Uranium core
These particles are grouped
in graphite "compacts."
- Graphite matrix
- Triso particles mixed with
the graphite matrix
Advantages of Triso particles
Jimmy uses a fuel made of particles known as "Triso" (short for "Tri-structural Isotropic") in its generators. These particles consist of a uranium oxide core coated with layers that serve as the first containment barrier to retain fission products. The particles resemble beads approximately 1 millimeter thick. They are then compacted into a graphite powder,
forming "compacts" of particles that are 2.5 centimeters in height and 1.2 centimeters in diameter.
This fuel was first produced in the 1960s. Today, it is on track to become an international standard, adopted by many small reactor projects currently in development.
The U.S. Department of Energy considers Triso particles as "The most robust fuel on earth." Indeed, these particles can contain more than 99.99% of fission products, even in the event of an accident. They significantly contribute to the safety properties of the Jimmy generator.
Waste management
Compatibility with
the existing infrastructure
The Jimmy generator is designed to be compatible with the existing French waste disposal system, which is one of the most advanced in the world.
Minimization of
waste generated
Jimmy minimizes the amount of waste produced: 200 Jimmy generators increase the quantity of radioactive waste produced in France by only ~1%. The system is designed to reuse most materials over multiple cycles.
Innovations in
reprocessing
The revenue generated by Jimmy will enable the industrialization of new waste treatment methods, especially concerning the graphite moderator, further reducing the quantity of radioactive waste produced.