TRISO-X, LLC, a subsidiary of X-energy, Inc. (Nasdaq: XE), has extended its cooperative research and development agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, according to a press release from the company.

The new 30-month agreement continues a relationship that began in 2016 and focuses on advancing commercial-scale TRISO nuclear fuel development and manufacturing. Under the agreement, TRISO-X will continue operating its pilot fuel fabrication facility on-site at the laboratory.

The partnership's stated activities include optimizing fuel fabrication quality and yield, improving characterization methods, and exploring alternate fuel forms for small modular reactor, microreactor, and particle fuel markets.

"ORNL has been a critical partner in transforming years of TRISO fuel research into commercial manufacturing capability," said Joel Duling, President of TRISO-X. "Extending this partnership ensures we continue advancing fuel technology that will strengthen America's nuclear fuel supply chain and support the deployment of next-generation reactors."

ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer said the partnership demonstrates how national laboratories can help accelerate the transition of technologies from research to commercial application.

Since establishing its pilot facility at ORNL, TRISO-X reports several milestones, including receiving the first U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Part 70 license issued for a high-assay low-enriched uranium fuel fabrication facility and beginning construction of TX-1, described as the nation's first purpose-built commercial TRISO fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

The company is also developing a dedicated research and development center at its Oak Ridge campus, which received support from Tennessee's Nuclear Energy Supply Chain Investment Fund.