Articles tagged with "modular-reactors"
US companies team up to bring nuclear microreactors to federal sites
US-based NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., a developer of advanced nuclear micro modular reactors, has partnered with renewable energy firm Ameresco to explore deploying nuclear microreactors at federal and commercial sites across the United States. Announced in January 2026, the non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines a joint assessment of siting, licensing, construction, operation, and decommissioning pathways for NANO Nuclear’s modular microreactors, focusing primarily on the KRONOS system, with additional evaluation of the ZEUS and LOKI designs. These microreactors are designed to provide reliable, dispatchable power either off-grid or connected to existing grids, targeting applications such as federal facilities, data centers, and industrial sites. The collaboration aims to integrate these advanced nuclear technologies into next-generation energy infrastructure to support the nation’s energy transition with safe and resilient power solutions. Ameresco, which works extensively with government agencies and institutional customers, views this partnership as part of its strategy to diversify its clean
energynuclear-microreactorsmodular-reactorsclean-energyenergy-infrastructuremicro-modular-reactor-technologyenergy-transitionFloating nuclear plants at sea could soon meet Greece's energy needs
A proposal to deploy Floating Nuclear Power Plants (FNPPs) in the Mediterranean Sea, specifically to meet Greece’s energy needs, is advancing with growing industry support. The initiative aims to provide reliable, affordable, and carbon-free energy to islands, ports, and coastal communities, enhancing energy security and supporting clean energy goals. A recent high-profile meeting in Athens brought together representatives from energy companies including CORE POWER, ABS Hellas, and Athlos Energy to discuss the economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental impacts of siting nuclear reactors at sea. They proposed using a PESTLE framework to comprehensively assess these factors. The consortium formed by ABS, CORE POWER, and Athlos Energy is focused on developing FNPP concepts of operations (CONOPS) and identifying potential deployment locations. ABS recently released the industry’s first comprehensive requirements for FNPPs, emphasizing the modular reactor design’s advantages in safety, cost, and operational flexibility, particularly for applications like cold-ironing large ports. The group
energyfloating-nuclear-power-plantsclean-energymodular-reactorsenergy-securitymaritime-energynuclear-technologyUS-UK firms sign nuclear deals promising gigawatts of clean energy
US and UK companies have signed multiple significant deals to accelerate the development of new nuclear energy projects in both countries, supported by an upcoming government agreement called the Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy. This partnership, expected to be formalized during President Donald Trump’s state visit to Britain, aims to streamline nuclear project licensing from three to four years down to about two years, thereby facilitating faster deployment of advanced nuclear reactors. The initiative is projected to unlock billions in private investment and create thousands of jobs, signaling a major expansion in nuclear energy infrastructure. Key deals include a collaboration between US-based X-Energy and UK’s Centrica to build up to 12 advanced modular reactors in Hartlepool, potentially generating enough power for 1.5 million homes and delivering up to $54 billion in economic value. Other projects involve Holtec, EDF, and Tritax developing small modular reactor-powered data centers in Nottinghamshire, and Last Energy and DP World planning one of the world’s first micro modular nuclear plants with $108
energynuclear-energyclean-energyadvanced-reactorsmodular-reactorsenergy-storageUS-UK-partnershipUS taps 11 nuclear reactor projects to speed up clean energy goals
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 11 advanced nuclear reactor projects to participate in President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, aiming to accelerate the development, testing, and licensing of advanced reactors by July 4, 2026. This initiative seeks to streamline the construction and operation of at least three test reactors outside national laboratories, supporting the goal of making the U.S. a global leader in nuclear energy while ensuring a steady supply of clean energy to American homes and businesses. The selected companies, including Aalo Atomics, Oklo, Terrestrial Energy, and others, will bear all costs related to their reactors’ lifecycle but will benefit from faster regulatory pathways and improved access to private funding. Among the highlighted projects is Terrestrial Energy’s TETRA, which utilizes Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology to deliver 822 MWth/390 MWe, promising efficient and low-cost electricity generation. Oklo, backed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman, is
energynuclear-energyadvanced-reactorsclean-energyUS-Department-of-Energymodular-reactorsnuclear-power-plantsGoogle and Westinghouse use AI to automate nuclear construction
Westinghouse Electric Company and Google Cloud have partnered to accelerate nuclear reactor construction by integrating AI technologies. Westinghouse’s proprietary AI platforms, HiVE and bertha, are combined with Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, Gemini, and BigQuery to autonomously generate and optimize modular work packages for advanced reactors, particularly the AP1000® modular reactors. This collaboration leverages extensive nuclear industry data and cutting-edge generative AI to streamline complex engineering workflows, aiming to reduce the traditionally labor-intensive construction process and enhance operational efficiency across existing nuclear plants. HiVE, introduced in 2024, is a nuclear-specific generative AI system built on over 70 years of proprietary data, while bertha, a large language model named after Westinghouse’s first female engineer, focuses on reactor lifecycle tasks such as maintenance and inspections. The partnership has already demonstrated success through a proof of concept using Westinghouse’s WNEXUS digital plant design platform, showing the potential for AI to transform nuclear construction into a
energynuclear-energyartificial-intelligencemodular-reactorsGoogle-CloudWestinghouseAI-automationEuropean firms partner to build 200 MW modular nuclear power plant
European firms Newcleo and Nextchem have formed a joint venture, NextCleo, to develop nuclear power plants based on Newcleo’s 200 MW lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR-AS-200) modular technology. Newcleo will focus on developing the nuclear reactor itself, while Nextchem will provide expertise in designing and managing the conventional island and balance of plant components necessary to convert nuclear energy into dispatchable electric power. Nextcleo will also offer integration services to other small modular reactor (SMR) and advanced modular reactor (AMR) technology providers. This collaboration aims to support decarbonization efforts, particularly by enabling low-carbon chemical production aligned with Nextchem’s e-Factory model. Nextchem will hold a 60% stake in Nextcleo, retaining operational control, while Newcleo will own 40%. Additionally, Nextchem will acquire an initial minority stake in Newcleo, increasing upon development milestones. The partnership plans to have a non-nuclear precursor prototype ready by 2026
energynuclear-powermodular-reactorssmall-modular-reactorsadvanced-modular-reactorsdecarbonizationenergy-transitionSmall nuclear reactor to unleash 1,832°F heat in US for future power
NuCube Energy, a California-based company, is collaborating with the Utah San Rafael Energy Research Center (USREL) to test its next-generation small nuclear microreactor technology. This innovative reactor can deliver heat exceeding 1,832°F (1,000°C), enabling high-temperature industrial applications and off-grid power generation. The technology is notable for producing cost-competitive electricity that can rival natural gas, and it can operate independently from existing power grids, which is particularly beneficial for rural and industrial areas. The reactor design incorporates TRISO fuel and heat pipe technology to minimize moving parts, enhancing safety and reliability. Housed within a stainless-steel compartment, the microreactors also streamline permitting processes. The collaboration with USREL, known for demonstrating advanced power generation technologies, aims to advance NuCube’s modular reactors toward commercialization. This partnership is expected to support clean, affordable, and reliable energy solutions while facilitating integration with chemical and energy conversion processes, potentially transforming energy access in states like Utah.
energynuclear-reactormicroreactorclean-energyhigh-temperature-heatmodular-reactorsenergy-researchWorld’s first mass-produced nuclear reactor to enter testing in US
nuclear-energymicroreactorsenergy-innovationmodular-reactorsportable-energy-solutionsadvanced-nuclear-technologyrenewable-energy