Oak Ridge Lab Advances Molten Salt Reactor Data for Design and Regulation

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used advanced experimental methods to measure heat transfer and flow in molten salts. The measurements fill a data gap that has limited molten salt reactor design and regulatory approval pathways. Molten salt reactors produce less high-level radioactive waste, use less water, and have a different safety profile than conventional nuclear reactors.

These reactors also have lower operating costs but have not yet reached commercial scale. The laboratory results come as nuclear energy receives fresh attention amid rising power needs from artificial intelligence systems and energy security issues linked to the United States and Israel conflict with Iran. Oak Ridge National Laboratory reported the findings on May 17, 2026.