GE Hitachi to Lead 3D Printing Nuclear Technology Project for U.S. DOE

GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH) has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to lead a $ 2 million 3D printing research project.

GEH will use metal 3D printing technology to produce sample replacement parts for nuclear power plants. These parts will be 3D printed at the GE Power Advanced Manufacturing Works facility in Greenville, South Carolina before being tested at the Idaho National Laboratory’s advanced test reactor. GEH will then evaluate the results to deploy 3D printed parts for fuels, services and new plant applications. The research project is part of an investment of over $ 80 million in advanced nuclear technology by the DOE.

“The potential of 3D printing to speed delivery time and reduce the cost of manufacturing performance-enhancing replacement parts for nuclear power plants is quite significant,” explained Jay Wileman, President and CEO, GEH. “We want to recognize the Department of Energy for its leadership in advanced nuclear research and we look forward to working with the Idaho National Laboratory.”