Deep Fission, a Berkeley-based nuclear energy company, is set to break ground on December 9 for a pilot project in Parsons, Kansas. The project, part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program, aims to deploy the company’s innovative Gravity Nuclear Reactor, designed to be placed in mile-deep boreholes. Pending DOE authorization, Deep Fission plans to complete construction and achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
The company’s reactors, each generating 15 MWe, are designed to be scalable, with the potential to deliver up to 1.5 GWe from 100 reactors on a single site. Deep Fission’s approach leverages traditional pressurized water reactor (PWR) design but places the reactors underground, utilizing the surrounding geology for passive shielding and natural containment. This method aims to enhance safety, reduce surface footprint, and lower costs by 70% to 80% compared to traditional nuclear plants.
Deep Fission’s proprietary technology combines methods from the nuclear, oil and gas, and geothermal industries, using off-the-shelf parts and low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The company has signed Letters of Intent (LOIs) totaling 12.5 GW of power generation, indicating strong interest in commercial deployment.
The project has garnered support from state political figures, including Kansas’ lieutenant governor and commerce secretary David Toland, and U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall. However, the regulatory oversight of the project remains unclear, with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) stating it has only had introductory meetings with Deep Fission.
This pilot project could significantly impact the nuclear energy sector by demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of underground SMRs. If successful, it could accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, contributing to energy independence and lowering energy rates. The project also highlights the potential for innovative nuclear technologies to diversify energy portfolios and attract investments.
As Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission, stated, “This pilot is an exciting first step toward an energy-abundant America. We’re proud to partner with the Great Plains Industrial Park and southeast Kansas to show what’s possible with next-generation nuclear. Our Gravity reactor is designed to deliver safer, faster, and dramatically cheaper energy.”
The development in Parsons, Kansas, could set a precedent for future nuclear projects, encouraging other companies to explore innovative and scalable nuclear technologies. The project’s success could also influence regulatory frameworks, paving the way for streamlined approval processes for advanced nuclear technologies.
In the words of Great Plains Development Authority Chairman Robert C. Wood, “Deep Fission’s pilot demonstrates a new level of energy innovation, showcasing Kansas’ potential to the world.” The collaboration between Deep Fission and the Great Plains Industrial Park could indeed mark a significant milestone in the evolution of nuclear energy, with far-reaching implications for the sector.