General Atomics Onshores Critical Silicon Carbide Technology to Help Power America’s Nuclear Future
SAN DIEGO, December 18, 2025. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is developing scalable, energy- efficient domestic manufacturing processes for silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic matrix composites, offering a U.S.-made solution for a material identified by the Department of Energy (DOE) as critical to advanced energy applications.
GA-EMS fabrication processes deliver high-quality SiC fiber and ceramic matrix composites through a faster, more affordable process. SiC is a strong, light, and heat-resistant material with major potential for nuclear, turbine and aerospace systems. However, its use has been limited by high material costs and reliance on foreign sources. GA-EMS is expanding access to this important material for demanding energy and aerospace applications by building a domestic supply chain and streamlining production.
“Silicon carbide unlocks enormous potential for the future of nuclear energy, turbine systems, and aerospace platforms,” said Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS. “Its strength-to-weight ratio, thermal stability, and resistance to extreme environments make it ideal for advanced propulsion, hypersonics, and space systems. By onshoring SiC fiber production and improving scalability and cost-effectiveness, we’re making this essential material more accessible for critical energy applications today, while opening pathways for future aerospace innovation.”
GA-EMS is executing two programs funded by the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO) of the DOE. Recent demonstrations include a SiC fiber process that is compatible with continuous production, which can reduce the production cost of domestic SiC fiber by 60%, as well as the utilization of automated fiber placement (AFP) to form complex SiC ceramic matrix composite structures. Together with a hybrid densification process, the team fabricated dense, high-purity SiC/SiC composites 70% faster and with 80% less energy than traditional chemical vapor infiltration.
GA-EMS’s work demonstrates a practical path toward U.S.-based manufacturing of silicon carbide materials. By reducing production costs and energy use, the company is helping enable broader deployment of advanced energy systems while contributing to long-term supply chain reliability.
