In a historic move, the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has given California startup Kairos Power a construction permit for its Hermes demonstration reactor in Tennessee that departed from traditional nuclear reactor cooling method.

Unlike conventional commercial reactors that rely on water for cooling, Kairos Power's technology introduces a novel concept of using molten fluoride salt as a coolant. This approach demonstrates the company's ability to provide clean, safe, and cost-effective nuclear heat.

(Photo : Kairos Power)

Kairos Power Receives Construction Permit From the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission's decision to issue the construction permit for the Hermes reactor follows a comprehensive review of Kairos Power's application.

The efficiency of the review process was facilitated by Kairos Power's proactive engagement with the NRC since 2018, fostering open communication between the two entities.

According to Fortune, it was the first time in over 50 years that the US granted permission for a new type of nuclear reactor. The last time the NRC reportedly approved a non-water-cooled design was in 1968.

"Hermes is the first non-water-cooled reactor to be approved for construction in the US in over 50 years. This historic achievement is a testament to the concerted effort by the entire Kairos Power team aligned with our iterative approach to licensing KP-FHR technology," said Peter Hastings, Kairos Power Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Quality. 

Kairos Power plans to begin constructing its $100 million project next year and expects the system to be completed by the end of 2026.

However, the operationalization of the reactor is still contingent upon the submission and subsequent NRC approval of a separate application for an operating license, in accordance with the two-step, 10 CFR Part 50 licensing process.

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Hermes 2 of Kairos Power

Simultaneously, the NRC is evaluating Kairos Power's construction permit application for Hermes 2, a proposed two-unit demonstration plant that would build on the learnings from Hermes. 

Hermes 2 aims to showcase Kairos Power's future commercial plant architecture at a reduced scale while contributing electricity to the grid, building on insights gained from the Hermes project.

The Hermes series is a strategic initiative to mitigate technology, licensing, supply chain, and construction risks for Kairos Power's fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactor technology.

Insights gained from the Hermes projects will be applied to the company's ambitious plans for future commercial deployments slated for the early 2030s. 

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