Terrestrial Energy has partnered energy solutions provider Ameresco to push forward the commercial placement of its innovative integral molten salt reactor (IMSR) nuclear plant.
The alliance will cover activities from site identification to project development and operation, aimed at providing tailored energy solutions for data centres and industrial applications.
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The partnership will deliver scaleable, reliable, clean and cost-competitive energy by combining advanced IMSR technology with Ameresco’s expertise in designing, integrating and operating complex energy systems.
Ameresco president of federal solutions and utility infrastructure Nicole Bulgarino stated: “Our collaboration with Terrestrial Energy reflects our commitment to expanding the capabilities of our clean energy portfolio.
“By exploring hybrid energy systems that leverage the IMSR plant’s heat and power output, we’re enhancing our ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective and sustainable solutions tailored to the evolving needs of data centers and industrial customers.”
The integration strategy includes employing a natural gas-fired energy bridge that allows for early electricity delivery during the construction phase before the IMSR nuclear systems are fully operational.
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By GlobalDataTerrestrial Energy’s unique design makes its IMSR plants particularly suitable for customised hybridisation with energy sources such as natural gas.
Unlike conventional Light Water Reactor-based facilities, the thermal, steam and electric supply systems of an IMSR plant are remote from regulated nuclear components.
This remoteness enables greater flexibility in meeting specific customer requirements while offering competitive pricing structures.
Terrestrial Energy CEO Simon Irish stated: “Site and use-specific customisation of IMSR plant output and its hybridisation with other systems including natural gas are essential to capture today’s market for near-located supply of reliable clean nuclear energy. Our IMSR plant excels in its capacity to be adapted and customised to market needs in a grid-congested world.
“Ameresco’s proven track record in energy system integration creates a powerful platform to develop IMSR plant projects that meet the emerging requirements of rapidly growing demand for reliable, carbon-free energy across multiple industrial sectors.”
Multiple sites throughout the US are being developed for these modularly designed projects that can provide zero-carbon thermal energy essential for efficient power generation as well as direct industrial heat applications.
As part of its fleet deployment strategy, Terrestrial Energy aims to utilise existing supply chains within the nuclear industry, which supports standard enrichment fuel usage without relying on high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU).
The latest announcement signifies a step in commercial progress following Terrestrial Energy’s selection by Texas A&M University for siting a commercial-grade IMSR plant at its RELLIS campus.
In May 2025, Ameresco finalised a $78m financial package to support its battery storage asset and forthcoming energy infrastructure projects.
