From Forest to Fission:
Bio-Graphite Powers the Future of Clean Nuclear Energy

Innovative collaboration supported by MITACS aims to secure sustainable supply chains for next-generation nuclear reactors.

(Vancouver, BC – April 3, 2025) — In a landmark collaboration, NanoTerraTech Advanced Materials Inc. (NanoTerraTech), Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), and the University of British Columbia (UBC) are proud to announce a joint research partnership focused on developing sustainable bio-carbon materials for use in advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

Funded through the MITACS Accelerate research program, this project will explore the development of nuclear-grade bio-graphite derived from sustainable forestry waste. This innovation supports Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy and strengthens the country’s leadership in securing reliable, environmentally responsible supplies of critical materials from domestic sources.

“This collaboration highlights how Canadian innovation can drive breakthroughs that enhance both energy security and environmental sustainability,” stated Connie Ekelund, CEO of NanoTerraTech. “By transforming forestry waste into high-performance bio-carbon for nuclear applications, we’re creating a cleaner, circular supply chain for the next generation of clean energy technologies.

“By leveraging innovative treatment technologies, we aim to decrease impurity levels, a critical characteristic for the Tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel being considered for use in SMRs and other nuclear grade components”, stated Scott Farnham, NanoTerraTech’s CTO. “This project will not only refine our thermal and chemical treatment methods, but also fabricate and characterize TRISO fuel compacts with our bio- graphite, ensuring it meets the stringent requirements of next-generation reactor designs.”

Addressing Critical Needs for SMRs and Advanced Nuclear Fuels

The project’s initial focus is to create ultra-pure bio-graphite for TRISO fuel particles compacts, a crucial fuel form for several small modular reactor and microreactor concepts mostly based on advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGR) technology. TRISO fuel, renowned for its robust safety characteristics, relies on a high-purity graphite matrix to encapsulate nuclear fuel particles and conduct the heat generated within the fuel away to the coolant.

“As part of the Federal Nuclear Science & Technology Work Plan, funded by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, CNL is working to enable safe, low-carbon energy through SMRs, and securing sustainable sources of critical materials is paramount,” said Dr. Anil Prasad, Fuel Scientist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. “This partnership is an opportunity to leverage Canada’s natural resource wealth and research excellence to build a competitive, sustainable nuclear supply chain.”

Sustainable Forestry Waste: A New Path for Critical Materials

The proprietary process will transform forestry residuals into high-purity bio-carbon materials, providing a responsible, low-emission alternative to mined natural graphite or synthetic graphite derived from fossil fuels. This approach not only supports Canada’s clean energy transition, but also contributes to economic development in forestry communities, aligning with Canada’s broader Critical Minerals Strategy.

“This project bridges advanced materials science with clean technology development,” said Dr. Lukas Bichler, Professor at UBC Okanagan. “It’s a powerful demonstration of how interdisciplinary research can deliver practical solutions that advance both sustainability and energy innovation.” 

About NanoTerraTech Advanced Materials Inc.

NanoTerraTech Advanced Materials Inc. develops Sustainable Bio-Carbon for a Cleaner Future using forestry waste to create advanced materials for clean energy and high-performance industrial applications. Through innovative processing and circular economy principles, NanoTerraTech is contributing to the global transition toward secure, sustainable supply chains. www.NanoTerraTech.com 

About Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

For three quarters of a century, Canada’s national nuclear laboratory has been home to new and exciting breakthroughs in nuclear science and technology. Today, under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.  www.cnl.ca. 

About UBC Okanagan

UBC’s Okanagan campus is a leading research-intensive campus dedicated to advancing science, technology, and sustainability through collaborative innovation and partnerships with industry and government. https://www./cleantech.ok.ubc.ca, https://bichler.ok.ubc.ca/

Info@NanoTerraTech.com 1.604.216.7000