Challenge

Deployable Energy (DE) developed the Unity Battery, a modular energy storage solution that uses heat from a nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) for power 
generation. The company required independent assurance that the concept could meet recognised marine and nuclear safety standards. The Unity Battery Technology Readiness Level (TRL) was assessed against LR’s TQ Guidance Notes 2022. The technology needed to align with Class rules and regulatory expectations while remaining practical for offshore operations.

Solution

DE and SEATRANSPORT engaged Lloyd’s Register (LR) Advisory to apply a dynamic risk management process under the Risk-Based Certification (RBC) 
framework. The project was the first step of a continual safety assessment focused on integrating DE’s MMR technology with SEATRANSPORT’s 72-metre Stern Landing Vessel (SLV); and aiming to identify potential hazards, evaluate safeguards and define recommendations to support further design development and technical qualification. 

Approach taken

LR Advisory applied the LR RBC methodology to identify potential hazards through a HAZID study of the MMR design, in combination with LR’s Technology Qualification (TQ) process. This approach aimed to establish a route to eventually achieve technology maturity (TRL 8) and regulatory approval. The desktop study benchmarked MMR design documentation against standards (ASME III) to identify compliance gaps and development needs. The process examined design risks in thermal behaviour, venting, enclosure layout and module separation. A HAZID workshop assessed risks from introducing the MMR and supporting systems aboard the SLV. Certain topics deferred to the MMR and technical-qualification processes. The HAZID results refined the TQ plan by defining verification steps for progressive assurance within the RBC workflow

Key activities and outputs

  • Facilitated two RBC HAZID sessions with Deployable Energy, SEATRANSPORT and LR specialists
  • Reviewed MMR design documentation and available test evidence to assess safety justification and standards alignment
  • Identified design gaps in thermal management, venting, enclosure robustness and fault isolation
  • Defined TQ objectives and verification steps to guide development within the RBC framework
  • Recorded risk rankings with their associated mitigation dependencies, to be reviewed during design development
  • Delivered a technology appraisal report summarising identified risks, suggested safeguarding measures, and general recommendations for further design development.

Key client benefits

  • Independent review of Unity Battery’s design readiness and operational safety
  • Clear identification of design risks with defined follow up actions
  • Actionable insight to guide future certification planning, reduce uncertainty and build investor confidence.

Project outcome

The study confirmed the assessed TRL for the Unity Battery. The HAZID identified three low-risk scenarios based on proposed measures and safeguards, relating to:

  • Thermal management and heat transfer
  • Enclosure and containment integrity
  • Fault isolation and electrical protection

The risk rankings were dependent on the proposed measures being incorporated into the final design and verified through subsequent development stages. Forty recommendations were raised during the assessment for further review or adoption of alternatives with equivalent safety intent.

Impact on customer's business and operations

The studies established a common reference for both DE and SEATRANSPORT to plan next-stage qualification and integration work. Early clarification of technical and regulatory expectations support more efficient collaboration and engagement with Class societies and regulators as development progresses. DE is now positioned to advance with assurance. The pathway to achieving TRL 8 and obtaining regulatory approval has been assessed, and strategic plans are being established to support both technological development and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Through the LR RBC and TQ approach, LR Advisory demonstrated how structured analysis and documentation review can provide valuable assurance for novel technologies at early maturity. The study established a repeatable framework for advancing the Unity concept within a structured assurance and verification framework, highlighting the value of LR’s methodology in supporting safe innovation.

Other applications

The methodology is scalable and adaptable, making it relevant to multiple sectors, technologies and processes pursuing assurance under the RBC and TQ framework.