For the first time in 30 years, high-temperature nuclear plants can use a new metal. //

Scientists working at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have announced the approval of a new high-temperature metal after 12 years and a $15 million Department of Energy investment. Alloy 617, a “combination of nickel, chromium, cobalt and molybdenum,” is tolerant and strong at temperatures of more than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit. The scientists say this means it could be used in existing high temperature nuclear facilities as well as cutting-edge applications like molten salt reactors.

For any new nuclear plant material, making the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is like qualifying for the Olympics. Alloy 617 is the first new material to get into “The Code” in 30 years. And unlike the crowded field of materials for light water nuclear reactors, high-temperature reactors have very few options.

“In contrast to light water plants, the commercial fleet, where you might have 50 or 100 materials that you could use, there were exactly five you could use for high-temperature reactors,” INL project lead Richard Wright said in a statement.

Because of that, nuclear researchers and insiders have watched Alloy 617 with keen interest and crafted spinoffs that are even stronger.