Blykalla and ABB enhance cooperation

In October 2024, Blykalla and ABB signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) under which ABB would explore how its automation, electrification and digitalisation solutions could support Blykalla's small modular reactor (SMR) prototype SEALER-E, which features an electric lead-cooled reactor. This includes cybersecurity frameworks to ensure compliance with nuclear safety regulations. In September last year, the two companies signed an MoU to accelerate the deployment of such lead-cooled SMRs for the maritime market.

With the Joint Development Agreement (JDA) now in place, the cooperation enters a new phase characterised by structured project plans, a joint Steering Committee, and formalised ownership principles for developed technologies.

Under the JDA, the two companies will jointly develop key elements of the electrical prototype reactor, while establishing the framework for collaboration on the demonstration reactor as well as commercial units. The agreement moves the cooperation from exploratory alignment into structured joint development, with clearly defined project frameworks, governance, and intellectual property allocation. It also creates a robust framework for joint R&D activities and establishes a clear path toward deeper technical and commercial integration.

Furthermore, the agreement establishes ABB as a key partner for automation, control systems, and control room equipment within the defined scope, subject to separate supply agreements. This strengthens the industrial foundation around SEALER and reinforces the ambition to combine Blykalla's reactor technology with ABB's expertise in automation and electrical systems.

"The Joint Development Agreement provides the contractual structure needed to advance safe, sustainable and cost-effective nuclear solutions at plant scale, and signals a shared long-term commitment to bringing next-generation nuclear technology to market," Blykalla said.

"ABB has been an important partner from early on, and this JDA marks the natural next step in a partnership that keeps deepening," said Blykalla CEO Jacob Stedman. "This is exactly the kind of industrial backing SEALER needs to reach commercial scale and accelerate toward deployment."

Daniela Bok, Local Division Manager, ABB's Energy Industries division in Sweden, added: "Early involvement from our engineers and nuclear specialists gives us the opportunity to be involved in co-creating the next generation. It demonstrates the power of a strategic partnership working at its best. Nuclear provides consistent baseload power generation that can support a stable energy grid. As demand for electricity continues to increase, nuclear power offers a reliable, low-carbon solution as part of the future energy mix."

Blykalla is a spin-off from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, where lead-cooled reactor systems have been under development since 1996. The company - founded in 2013 as a joint stock company - is developing the SEALER (Swedish Advanced Lead Reactor). A demonstration SEALER (SEALER-D) is planned to have a thermal output of 80 MW. Blykalla's goal is for its first 140 MWt SEALER-55 commercial reactor to be ready for operation in the early 2030s.