SAN DIEGO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / February 11, 2026 / General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Entergy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate implementation of the GA-EMS’ SiGA® silicon carbide (SiC) composite nuclear fuel rod cladding by acquiring irradiation data in a commercial light water nuclear reactor.
GA-EMS and Entergy join efforts to demonstrate enhanced performance and safety benefits of emerging nuclear fuel technologies, including evaluation of SiGA® for commercial applications.
The MOU results from the shared desire to modernize the safety and efficiency of the current nuclear fleet through implementation of advanced materials. SiGA is a non-metallic cladding that offers superior material performance over the current Zircaloy and can bring savings in plant operations and regulated offsite resources. SiGA facilitates power uprates, longer time between refueling, and greater resilience to simplify compliance with regulation. Extensive development and testing of the SiGA material in separate effects tests have benchmarked neutron irradiation-resistance, hermeticity, and survival in prototypic reactor coolant conditions. Now, the emphasis shifts to acquiring in-reactor irradiation data under actual commercial reactor operating conditions.
Entergy and GA-EMS are both committed to working together and bringing SiGA benefits to the fleet.
“We are excited to combine our technical expertise in SiC composite modeling, design, and manufacturing with Entergy’s experienced nuclear reactor operations. Together, we aim to deliver safety, enhanced performance and economic benefits to stakeholders of clean nuclear-generated electricity,” said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS.
This MOU marks a new paradigm where developers work in close concert with utilities to bring new materials innovations as efficiently as possible to the existing fleet. In more detail, this MOU facilitates defining the necessary developer-utility-fuel vendor collaborations, including developing pathways, conducting irradiation testing, and collecting the relevant regulatory data to achieve timely deployment in Entergy’s affiliate operating units.
“We are impressed by the solid results and accomplishments of the GA-EMS SiGA program and eager to partner in implementing this technology to enhance our nuclear power operations. Strategic use of our reactors to provide critical data and insights to accelerate SiGA technology toward commercialization supports our mission of providing reliable low-cost power to our customers and communities,” said David Hahn, senior vice president of Entergy.
“Adapting innovative technology to our existing nuclear fleet, like GA-EMS SiGA cladding, allows us to timely meet the growing energy demands of our customers,” said Jack Davis, general manager of Entergy, Nuclear Fuels and Integrated Risk Services.
“For more than 65 years, General Atomics has led the advancement of nuclear technologies, enhancing both the safety and performance of reactors. The SiGA material provides inherent benefits to reactor operations and efficiencies. Through this collaboration, we are accelerating progress toward commercial deployment to sustain and strengthen U.S. energy security,” said Christina Back, Ph.D., vice president of GA-EMS Nuclear Technologies and Materials.
Implementing the SiGA material in the existing nuclear reactor fleet will bring modernization that can preserve coolable geometry in conditions significantly beyond those that fail current cladding, increase the regulatory safety margin to higher temperature limits, and enable power uprates.
Both companies are committed to advancing emerging nuclear technologies.
About General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) develops innovative technologies to create breakthrough solutions supporting operational environments from undersea to space. From electromagnetic, power generation and energy storage systems and space systems and satellites, to hypersonic, missile defense, and laser weapon systems, GA-EMS offers an expanding portfolio of capabilities for defense, government, and national security customers. GA-EMS also provides commercial products and services targeting hazardous waste remediation, oil and gas, and nuclear energy industries. For further information, visit ga.com/ems.
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About Entergy
Entergy produces, transmits and distributes electricity to power life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing for growth and improved reliability and resilience of our energy system while working to keep energy rates affordable for our customers. We’re also investing in cleaner energy generation like modern natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy. A nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship, we deliver more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to the communities we serve through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is a Fortune 500 company headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at Entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media.
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SOURCE: General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
