Articles tagged with "small-modular-reactor"
Aramco backs 1,742°F reactor running 1,100°F hotter than standard nuclear
ZettaJoule, a Texas-based company, has secured formal backing from Aramco Services Company for its advanced high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR), designed to produce process heat at 950°C (1,742°F)—about 600°C hotter than conventional water-cooled nuclear reactors. This small modular reactor (SMR) builds on proven technology originally developed by Japan Atomic Energy Agency’s High-Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR), which began operation in 1998. Aramco’s support, expressed in a letter to the US Departments of Energy and Commerce, aims to accelerate development and signal the technology’s commercial viability to global investors. The partnership reflects growing industry interest in nuclear thermal energy as a means to decarbonize heavy industrial processes requiring extreme heat. The ZJ reactor leverages established, safety-tested engineering rather than experimental designs, positioning it as a reliable reference model for future commercial industrial applications. ZettaJoule’s leadership expressed strong confidence in the project’s
energynuclear-energyhigh-temperature-reactorsmall-modular-reactorindustrial-decarbonizationAramcoZettaJouleSouth Korea’s KAERI and Samsung Heavy win approval for floating nuclear reactor design
South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) have jointly secured an Approval in Principle (AIP) from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for their conceptual design of a floating small modular reactor (FSMR). This approval, part of the Novel Concept Class Approval process, validates the project’s feasibility and supports regulatory and partnership engagements. The FSMR design is based on a modification of the SMART100, the world’s first small modular reactor (SMR) to receive design approval, adapted for offshore use. SHI focused on integrating the SMRs into a floating platform and developing containment systems, while KAERI modified the SMART100 reactor for maritime applications, enhancing safety and modularity. The FSMR configuration includes two modified SMART100 reactors, each with increased thermal output of 365 MWt and electrical output of 110 MW, designed for a 60-year lifespan and a three-year refueling cycle. Safety enhancements include a passive cooling system that
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorfloating-nuclear-reactorKAERISamsung-Heavy-Industriespower-generationUS firm's efficient modular reactor reaches regulatory milestone in UK
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) has achieved a significant regulatory milestone in the UK by completing Step 2 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process as of December 2024. This rapid progression through the GDA, overseen by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Environment Agency (EA), and Natural Resources Wales (NRW), indicates that the reactor design meets stringent safety, security, and environmental standards without fundamental shortfalls. The milestone underscores the BWRX-300’s status as one of the world’s most deployment-ready SMRs, supported by ongoing construction at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington site in Canada and regulatory review in the U.S. for a planned unit at Tennessee Valley Authority’s Clinch River site. The BWRX-300’s development is further bolstered by investments from utilities and energy companies including OPG, TVA, Duke Energy, and Poland’s Orlen Synthos Green Energy (
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-energyclean-energyGE-VernovaBWRX-300regulatory-milestoneUS: Deep Fission to bury nuclear reactor a mile underground in Kansas
Deep Fission, a US-based company, has announced plans to build its first full-scale commercial small modular nuclear reactor a mile underground at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas. This advanced reactor pilot project, called the Gravity Nuclear Reactor, combines oil and gas borehole drilling, geothermal technology, and a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design. The underground placement enhances safety by eliminating the need for large above-ground containment structures and reduces construction costs. The reactor will generate 15 megawatts (electric) and can be scaled by deploying multiple units at the site. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for December 9, with construction and criticality targeted for completion by July 4, 2026, pending authorization from the US Department of Energy (DOE). Deep Fission is participating in the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to accelerate advanced nuclear technology deployment through a streamlined regulatory process. The company has signed a letter of intent with the Great Plains Development Authority to collaborate on the pilot
energynuclear-reactorsmall-modular-reactorDeep-Fissionunderground-reactorpressurized-water-reactorgeothermal-technologyUS firm's goal to power Earth, space with nuclear reactor gets funding
Nuclear startup Antares has secured $96 million in a Series B funding round led by Shine Capital to advance its small modular R1 microreactor, designed for use in remote Earth locations and space applications. The funding, comprising $71 million in equity and $25 million in debt, will support equipment acquisition, factory construction, and uranium procurement. Antares’ R1 microreactor uses TRISO fuel—carbon spheres with ceramic-coated uranium—and is capable of generating between 100 kilowatts and 1 megawatt of electricity. The company, founded two years ago, is building a 145,000-square-foot facility in Torrance, California, to produce up to 10 reactors annually and has contracts with the US Air Force, Space Force, Defense Innovation Unit, and NASA. Antares aims to demonstrate its reactor for the Department of Energy (DOE) next year and to operate a full-scale prototype by 2027. This funding milestone comes amid a broader “nuclear renaissance
energynuclear-powermicroreactorsmall-modular-reactorTRISO-fueladvanced-nuclear-technologyclean-energyMicroreactor startup Antares raises $96M for land, sea, and space-based nuclear power
Nuclear startup Antares has secured $96 million in Series B funding to advance its small modular reactor (SMR) technology designed for land, sea, and space applications. The funding round, led by Shine Capital and including both equity ($71 million) and debt ($25 million), reflects growing investor interest in nuclear power amid a broader resurgence in the sector. Antares is developing a reactor utilizing TRISO fuel and aims to demonstrate its reactor for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) next year, with plans to achieve full-power operation by 2027. The company is also among 11 participants in the DOE’s reactor pilot program, which targets operational reactors by mid-2026, a notably accelerated timeline for the nuclear industry. This funding and development come amid a wider revitalization of nuclear energy, including both small modular reactors and large nuclear plants. Other startups like Deep Fission, Aalo Atomics, and TerraPower have recently made significant progress or raised capital, while major corporations
energynuclear-powermicroreactorsmall-modular-reactorTRISO-fuelDepartment-of-Energyclean-energy-technologyUS firm names nuclear reactor it plans to bury a mile underground
Deep Fission, a California-based nuclear energy startup, has officially named its innovative underground small modular reactor the Gravity Nuclear Reactor. This system will be buried one mile underground inside a narrow borehole, leveraging Earth’s natural forces—particularly gravity and the high-pressure environment created by surrounding bedrock and water—to enhance safety, reduce costs, and speed deployment. The reactor uses a standard pressurized water design fueled by low-enriched uranium, benefiting from existing supply chains and industry-proven drilling techniques from oil, gas, and geothermal sectors. Deep Fission claims this approach could cut project costs by up to 80% compared to traditional nuclear plants, with construction potentially completed in about six months and a targeted Levelized Cost of Electricity between $50 and $70 per megawatt hour. The underground placement serves as a natural containment system, aiming to minimize above-ground hazards such as weather events, aircraft impacts, and accidents. Steam generated underground is transferred via a closed loop to surface turbines, maintaining operational safety.
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorunderground-reactorsustainable-energyDeep-Fissionclean-energyUS’ fast fission reactor Aurora to use Siemens’ steam turbines to produce clean power
Oklo, a US-based small modular reactor (SMR) designer, has signed a binding contract with Siemens Energy to supply a power conversion system for its Aurora powerhouse, one of the world’s first commercial-scale fast fission SMR projects. Siemens Energy will begin engineering and early procurement of key steam-cycle components, including the SST-600 steam turbine and SGen-100A generator, which are critical for converting Aurora’s high-temperature nuclear heat into clean electricity. The SST-600 turbine is a compact, flexible unit suitable for power generation and mechanical drive applications, while the SGen-100A generator offers high-efficiency, air-cooled design supporting industrial power needs. Construction of the Aurora reactor began in September 2025 at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with operations expected to start in 2027. The reactor is designed to produce up to 75 megawatts electrical (MWe) of clean power and create about 80 permanent jobs. Aurora’s design features a fast neutron
energysmall-modular-reactorSiemens-Energysteam-turbineclean-powernuclear-energypower-generationBWXT to build nuclear steam generators for Rolls-Royce 470 MW reactors
Rolls-Royce SMR, a UK-based company developing a 470-megawatt small modular pressurized water reactor (SMR), has entered into a contract and memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Canadian nuclear engineering firm BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) to design and supply nuclear steam generators for its reactor fleet. Each Rolls-Royce SMR unit will use three steam generators, which BWXT’s Ontario-based subsidiary will produce, leveraging its 60 years of experience and over 315 units shipped globally. The MoU also includes plans for localization of manufacturing to support global deployment of Rolls-Royce SMRs. The Rolls-Royce SMR is designed to generate 470 MWe (1358 MWth), providing low-carbon energy sufficient to power one million homes for 60 years, with safety features including multiple layers of redundancy and environmental protections. The reactor uses a three-loop pressurized water system where heat from the nuclear core transfers to water under high pressure
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorsteam-generatorsRolls-Royce-SMRclean-energynuclear-manufacturingWorld's first land-based small modular nuclear reactor passes key test
China’s ACP100 small modular reactor (SMR), also known as Linglong One, has successfully completed its cold functional testing at the Changjiang site in Hainan province. This milestone, announced by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), marks the first time a commercial land-based SMR has passed a safety review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The cold functional test verifies the installation and operation of all systems and pipelines under pressure without nuclear fuel, ensuring the integrity and leak-proofing of the primary circuit. This achievement paves the way for subsequent hot functional tests, which will simulate thermal conditions by raising the reactor coolant system’s temperature to validate operational readiness before fuel loading. The ACP100 is a 125 megawatt electric (MWe) integrated pressurized water reactor designed for a 60-year lifespan with a two-year refueling cycle. Beyond electricity generation, it can provide regional heating, seawater desalination, and industrial steam supply, earning it the nickname “n
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-powerACP100China-National-Nuclear-Corporationnuclear-energyclean-energyKorea approves world-first LNG carrier powered by molten salt reactor
South Korea has approved the world’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier powered by a small modular molten salt reactor (MSR), marking a significant advancement in clean maritime propulsion. Developed collaboratively by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and Samsung Heavy Industries, the vessel received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from the American Bureau of Shipping and the Liberian flag state on September 9, 2025. This certification confirms that the ship’s design, featuring a 100-megawatt thermal molten salt reactor, complies with international safety and regulatory standards. The MSR technology is notable for using a liquid fuel mixture of nuclear material and molten salt, differing from traditional solid-fuel reactors, and is designed to operate throughout the ship’s entire lifespan without refueling. The molten salt reactor offers high safety, excellent energy efficiency, and the potential to reduce maintenance and operational interruptions typically associated with conventional nuclear propulsion systems. This innovation aims to contribute to carbon neutrality in the
energymolten-salt-reactorLNG-carriernuclear-propulsionclean-maritime-technologysmall-modular-reactorKorea-Atomic-Energy-Research-Institute30 MW water-cooled small modular reactor could be deployed in France
Calogena, a French company, plans to explore deploying its 30 MW water-cooled small modular reactor (SMR), called CAL30, at the Cadarache research and development site. The CAL30 SMR is designed to supply carbon-free heat to urban heating networks, operating at low pressure (6 bars) and low temperature (100 °C), which makes it simpler and safer than conventional reactors. The design is based on decades-old pool-type research reactors and uses the same fuel as traditional reactors but in a shortened form. Calogena aims for deployment as early as 2030, highlighting the reactor’s compact footprint (3,000 m² land, under 1,000 m² buildings) and minimal refueling needs (one lorry every two years), which contrasts with the frequent fuel deliveries required by wood-fired heating. CAL30 is one of four SMR designs currently under evaluation by the French Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASN). Calogena’s design is
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-energyclean-energywater-cooled-reactordistrict-heatingCalogenaPoland to host Europe's first advanced small nuclear power plant
Poland is set to become the first country in Europe to build an advanced small modular nuclear reactor (SMR), with a 300 MW BWRX-300 plant planned for Włocławek. This initiative is led by state-run energy company Orlen, which has partnered with Synthos Green Energy to form a joint venture, Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE), holding equal ownership but with Orlen retaining strategic control. The project leverages US-developed BWRX-300 technology from GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy, recognized as one of the most advanced SMR designs globally, featuring passive safety systems and licensed nuclear fuel. The agreement grants OSGE full access to the reactor’s standard design package, enabling licensing and deployment. This development aligns with Poland’s broader strategy to transition away from heavy coal dependence toward low-carbon energy sources. Poland has approved the construction of 24 SMRs across six sites, including Włocławek, with environmental and geological assessments already
energysmall-modular-reactornuclear-powerclean-energyPoland-energy-transitionBWRX-300Orlen-Synthos-Green-EnergyAalo Atomics raises $100M to build a microreactor and data center together
Aalo Atomics, a nuclear startup inspired by a Department of Energy small modular reactor design called Marvel, has raised $100 million in a Series B funding round led by Valor Equity Partners and several other investors. The company plans to activate its first microreactor by summer 2026, aiming to challenge the nuclear industry’s typical long development timelines by leveraging economies of scale. Its flagship product, the Aalo Pod, will combine five Aalo-1 reactors to generate 50 megawatts of electricity through a single turbine. Additionally, the startup intends to build an experimental data center adjacent to its prototype reactor, though this aspect appears more promotional than a breakthrough innovation. Aalo Atomics targets delivering electricity at a competitive rate of three cents per kilowatt-hour, comparable to new natural gas and solar power plants, although no specific timeline has been set for achieving this price point. The company’s aggressive schedule and cost goals reflect broader trends in advanced nuclear startups seeking to modernize and scale nuclear power efficiently
energynuclear-energymicroreactordata-centerclean-energysmall-modular-reactorpower-generationUS airport to explore small nuclear reactor for clean energy future
Denver International Airport (DEN) has initiated a request for proposals (RFP) to study the feasibility of building a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) on its campus as part of its strategy to meet future clean energy demands. The airport anticipates serving over 120 million passengers annually by 2045 and is exploring SMRs as a reliable, scalable, and potentially cost-effective energy source to power its extensive ground operations. Unlike solar and wind power, SMRs can provide continuous, round-the-clock energy, complementing renewable sources and supporting the airport’s goal to become the greenest airport globally. The feasibility study, costing up to $1.25 million and expected to take 6-12 months, will evaluate the viability of SMRs for DEN’s long-term energy needs, including technology types, cost estimates, funding options, risks, and regulatory requirements. Denver’s leadership emphasizes this as a forward-looking, sustainable initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of a growing city and climate change. If implemented
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorclean-energyDenver-International-Airportsustainable-energyrenewable-energy-alternativesCanada’s nuclear plant to add mighty turbine to power 300,000 homes
The GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy BWRX-300 small modular reactor (SMR) project at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Canada will feature a key turbine island supplied by Arabelle Solutions, part of the EDF Group. Arabelle is providing the SMR’s nuclear steam turbine, the TOPAIR generator, and an associated heat exchanger. The turbine generator shaftline will be 34 meters long and include a high-pressure module and two low-pressure modules to enhance cycle efficiency. The air-cooled TOPAIR generator is rated up to 370 MVA for the Canadian 60 Hz grid. This equipment is specifically engineered to operate under the BWRX-300’s steam conditions, optimizing plant efficiency and maximizing electrical output. The BWRX-300 reactor is a compact, 300 MWe boiling water reactor designed for efficient and safe operation, including passive cooling for at least seven days without power or operator intervention. It offers a refueling cycle of 12 to
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorturbine-generatorpower-generationclean-energyDarlington-SMRWorld’s first hydrogen-generating nuclear reactor goes live in the US
NuScale Power Corporation, in partnership with GSE Solutions, has launched the world’s first fully integrated hydrogen production simulator within a Small Modular Reactor (SMR) control room environment at its headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon. This real-time simulator models hydrogen production exceeding 200 metric tons daily using nuclear-powered high-temperature steam electrolysis, centered around Reversible Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (RSOFCs) that simultaneously generate electricity, hydrogen, and clean water. The system not only validates the integrated nuclear-hydrogen platform but also serves as a training tool for operators, supporting workforce development as SMRs evolve from grid-only electricity providers to multi-output energy producers addressing industrial decarbonization, water scarcity, and clean molecule synthesis. NuScale’s approach highlights a strategic shift in SMR applications beyond electricity generation to becoming foundational assets in hydrogen and clean fuel economies. Unlike intermittent renewables, SMRs provide consistent thermal and electrical input essential for stable high-temperature electrolysis, enabling resilient and modular hydrogen production
energyhydrogen-productionnuclear-reactorsmall-modular-reactorclean-energyelectrolysisdecarbonizationUS firm's advanced reactor to supply hydrogen, electricity for 400,000 homes
US-based NuScale Power Corporation is developing an integrated energy system based on its small modular reactor (SMR) technology that aims to simultaneously generate carbon-free electricity, produce clean hydrogen, and provide desalinated water. A single NuScale Power Module (NPM) is projected to supply enough clean water for 2.3 million people daily (about 150 million gallons) and generate surplus electricity to power 400,000 homes. This approach expands the application of SMRs beyond electricity generation to address critical industrial and environmental challenges such as water scarcity and clean energy production. A key innovation in NuScale’s system is the utilization of brine, the saline byproduct of desalination, as a feedstock for clean hydrogen production. In partnership with the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, NuScale has developed a carbon-free hydrogen production process that uses inert salts from brine, avoiding conventional electrolysis and reducing energy and water consumption. The company has also created an Integrated Energy System simulator to optimize hydrogen
energyclean-hydrogensmall-modular-reactorwater-desalinationcarbon-free-powerintegrated-energy-systemhydrogen-productionFinland approves ‘world’s simplest’ nuclear reactor concept for safety
Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has approved the concept assessment of Steady Energy’s LDR-50 small modular reactor (SMR), deeming it fit to generate nuclear energy and meet Finland’s nuclear safety requirements. Although not legally required, Steady Energy requested this assessment to align with anticipated future regulations. The approval supports the company’s development timeline and plans to build a full-scale pilot plant inside a former coal-fired power station in Helsinki, which will demonstrate key safety features without using nuclear fuel. An international regulatory review will follow, leveraging STUK’s findings, as Steady Energy expands its agreements for 15 reactors in Finland and plans growth into Sweden and the Baltics. The LDR-50 reactor is distinct from typical SMRs as it produces only heat, not electricity, generating up to 50 MW of thermal power at 150°C. This heat can be used for district heating, industrial steam, and desalination, with a simplified pressurized light water reactor
energynuclear-energysmall-modular-reactorSMRdistrict-heatingclean-energysustainable-energyAurora nuclear reactor may run US base for 10 years without refueling
Oklo has received a Notice of Intent to Award from the Defense Logistics Agency Energy to deploy its Aurora nuclear microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) in Alaska. This marks the first formal US military project to adopt a commercial fast microreactor, aiming to enhance energy independence and operational security for defense infrastructure, particularly in remote or unstable environments. The Aurora reactor is designed to operate autonomously for up to 10 years without refueling, using recycled high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, which reduces nuclear waste and supports long-term, reliable power supply. Its liquid-metal-cooled fast reactor technology offers safety and efficiency advantages over traditional reactors, including a compact core and no need for pressurization. Eielson AFB, home to the 354th Fighter Wing and F-35A aircraft, faces logistical challenges due to its remote sub-Arctic location. The Aurora’s modular design and long fuel cycle will reduce dependence on vulnerable fuel supply
energynuclear-reactormicroreactormilitary-energy-resilienceautonomous-powersmall-modular-reactorsustainable-energy