US advanced nuclear reactors near deployment with new fuel deal

The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Kairos Power have initiated a $27 million strategic partnership to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors, focusing on the fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR). This innovative reactor design replaces traditional water coolant with molten fluoride salt, enabling operation at higher temperatures with enhanced inherent safety. Central to the technology are TRISO fuel pebbles, which are highly heat-resistant particles. The collaboration addresses critical technical challenges such as fuel manufacturing, component production via additive manufacturing, material performance under corrosive high-temperature conditions, and the development of remote maintenance systems suitable for radiation environments. These efforts support the Hermes 1 demonstration reactor in Oak Ridge, the first non-light-water reactor approved for construction by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with construction having started in May 2025. In addition to technological development, Kairos Power secured a deal with the DOE to obtain High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), essential for