Terra Innovatum Secures Nuclear-Grade Graphite Order with Mersen, Advancing SOLO FOAK Deployment and Commercialization Readiness

• Secures critical nuclear-grade graphite required for SOLO™ First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) reactor deployment targeted for 2027 and NOAK commercialization in 2028
• Initiates procurement following completion of its end-to-end supply chain
• Establishes pathway toward long-term supply agreement supporting serial manufacturing beginning in 2028
• Leverages Mersen’s recognized nuclear-grade graphite and long-term expertise of materials for highly demanding sectors
• Advances joint R&D and material optimization initiatives to support large-scale deployment and long-term production growth
  

NEW YORK, March 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Innovatum Global N.V. (NASDAQ: NKLR), developer of the SOLO™ Micro-Modular Reactor, today announced the execution of its first procurement order for nuclear-grade graphite with Mersen, (securing a critical long-lead material required for the Company’s First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) reactor deployment targeted for 2027).

The graphite procurement follows Terra Innovatum’s previously announced completion of the process to secure all major nuclear and non-nuclear-grade components required for the SOLO™ reactor system. With supply-chain alignment now established across the full reactor architecture, the Company is progressing from component security toward deployment-phase execution.

“This FOAK order represents an important step in Terra Innovatum’s transition from supply-chain preparation to deployment execution,” said Alessandro Petruzzi, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Securing nuclear-grade graphite for the SOLO™ reactor ensures that we are aligning critical long-lead materials with our development schedule as we progress toward our first reactor deployment targeted for 2027. At the same time, this collaboration with Mersen establishes the industrial supply framework required to support the transition from First-of-a-Kind deployment to serial NOAK manufacturing. Building these strategic supply relationships early enables us to scale production with confidence as global demand for reliable, low-carbon energy solutions continues to accelerate.”

Marco Cherubini, Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer continued: “Nuclear-grade graphite is a critical structural and functional material in advanced reactor systems, directly influencing thermal performance, operational stability, and regulatory compliance. Working with an established supplier such as Mersen ensures that the SOLO™ FOAK reactor will incorporate certified nuclear-grade materials manufactured to the highest industry standards. Beyond supporting our first deployment, this collaboration also enables Terra Innovatum to refine material specifications, manufacturing processes, and quality assurance protocols that will underpin efficient serial production. Establishing these technical and industrial foundations early is essential as we prepare the SOLO platform for scalable fleet deployment and long-term global commercialization.”

ABOUT MERSEN

Mersen is a global industrial group and a recognized expert in advanced materials. The world’s leading producer of isostatic graphite, Mersen develops customized, application-specific solutions for highly demanding sectors, including nuclear. The Group combines industrial scale with local execution - with more than 50 industrial sites in 30 countries, including Italy - enabling it to meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards for critical nuclear applications.

ABOUT TERRA INNOVATUM & SOLO™

Terra Innovatum's mission is to make nuclear power accessible. We deliver simple and safe micro-reactor solutions that are scalable, affordable and deployable anywhere 1 MWe at a time.

Terra Innovatum is a pioneering force in the energy sector, dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable power solutions. Terra Innovatum plans to leverage cutting-edge nuclear technology through the SOLO™ Micro-Modular Reactor (SMR™) to provide efficient, safe, and environmentally conscious energy. With a mission to address global energy shortages, Terra Innovatum combines extensive expertise in nuclear industry design, manufacturing, and installation licensing to offer disruptive energy solutions. Committed to propelling technological advancements, Terra Innovatum and SOLO™ are dedicated to fostering prosperity and sustainability for humankind.

It is anticipated that SOLO™ will be available globally within the next three years. Conceptualized in 2018 and engineered over six years by experts in nuclear safety, licensing, innovation, and R&D, SOLO™ addresses pressing global energy demands with a market-ready solution. Built from readily available commercial off-the-shelf components, the proven licensing path for SOLO™ enables rapid deployment and minimizes supply chain risks, ensuring final cost predictability. Designed to adapt with evolving fuel options, SOLO™ supports both LEU+ and HALEU, offering a platform ready to transition to future fuel supplies.

SOLO™ will offer a wide range of versatile applications, providing CO2-free, behind-the-meter, and off-grid power solutions for data centers, mini-grids serving remote towns and villages, and large-scale industrial operations in hard-to-abate sectors like cement production, oil and gas, steel manufacturing, and mining. It also has the ability to supply heat for industrial applications and other specialized processes, including water treatment, desalination and co-generation. Thanks to its modular design, SOLO™ can easily scale to deliver up to 1GW or more of CO2-free power with a minimal footprint, making it an ideal solution for rapidly replacing fossil fuel-based thermal plants. Beyond electricity and heat generation, SOLO™ can also contribute to critical applications in the medical sector by producing radioisotopes essential for oncology research and cancer treatment.

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