Kairos Power has started construction on one of the first advanced reactors in the United States.
July 30, 2024
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Kairos Power has started construction on one of the first advanced reactors in the United States.
The company’s Hermes reactor is one of several projects being supported through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
The low-power reactor is the first non-light water design permitted for construction in the United States in more than 50 years and is projected to be operational in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 2027.
Paving the Way
Kairos Power recently started excavation and groundwork at the Hermes site through a contract with Barnard Construction Company.
The reactor is being used to inform the development of the company’s commercial reactor that could be deployed next decade.
Hermes will use a TRISO fuel pebble bed design with a molten fluoride salt coolant to demonstrate affordable clean heat production.
The project was cleared for construction back in December by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is expected to create more than 55 high-paying, full time jobs at the former K-33 gaseous diffusion plant site in Oak Ridge.
“We’re thrilled to start building in the historic East Tennessee Technology Park,” said Edward Blandford, Kairos Power Chief Technology Officer and co-founder. “The City of Oak Ridge, the Department of Energy and its contractors, and the Barnard team have all been excellent partners in helping us repurpose this brownfield site. Barnard’s strong track record and people-centered culture are a great match for Kairos Power, and we look forward to working together over the long term to realize the future of clean nuclear energy.”
The U.S. Department of Energy will invest up to $303 million to support the design, construction, and commissioning of Hermes through its Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
Kairos Power is also partnering with Los Alamos National Laboratory to produce TRISO pebble fuel for the reactor and has a cooperative development agreement in place with the Tennessee Valley Authority to provide engineering, operations, and licensing support.
What’s Next
Kairos Power recently wrapped up molten salt testing on the company’s first Engineering Test Unit (ETU) at its manufacturing facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The system is the first of three iterations that are being built to help design, construct and operate Hermes.
Kairos Power is currently building a second ETU in New Mexico and will collaborate with Barnard Construction on a third system that will be built adjacent to the Hermes reactor site.
Learn more about our Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.