The DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center Announces 12 Companies Selected for Nuclear Energy Launch Pad
On August 24th, the DOE’s National Reactor Innovation Center revealed that 12 companies covering 13 projects have been chosen for its latest Nuclear Energy Launch Pad (NELP) round. These companies span multiple stages of the nuclear industry, similar to the coverage seen in the first round.
The initial group of companies selected for the program included General Matter, a uranium enrichment company, as well as reactor developers Radiant, Deployable Energy, and NuCube Energy.
Several companies are making repeat appearances in the fast-track nuclear development programs under the DOE:
- Oklo, Antares, and Valar are returning after achieving criticality on their pilot reactor designs under the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program.
- Deployable Energy is making a comeback with two programs after being included in the first NELP selection round.
The NELP provides companies with access to nuclear expertise and infrastructure, offering a prioritized pathway through DOE authorization. This program follows the DOE Reactor Pilot Program and DOE Fuel Line Pilot Program, which have played a crucial role in revitalizing the nuclear industry in the US.
While some companies have not disclosed their projects under the NELP, we have gathered information on each of the companies and their respective programs:
Antares Nuclear
Antares Nuclear is developing transportable microreactors for military and space applications. Their R1 design combines TRISO fuel with sodium heat pipes, targeting 100 kilowatts to 1 megawatt of electricity. Their selection allows them to benefit from the program without being physically present at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site.
Atlas Atomics
Atlas Atomics is working on heavy-water reactor technology that aims to generate electricity while also producing medical and industrial isotopes and reusing spent nuclear fuel. The reactor design is similar to the CANDU reactor fleet in Canada.
Deployable Energy
Deployable Energy is developing Unity, a transportable, high-temperature gas-cooled “nuclear battery” designed to generate 1 megawatt using helium cooling and conventional <5% enriched LEU fuel for various applications.
Forge Atomics
Forge Atomics is developing Ember, a factory-built, 25-megawatt reactor for data centers and the grid. The design is based on pressurized water designs and conventional LEU fuel to reduce construction costs and delays.
Hexium
Hexium is working on laser-based isotope enrichment, initially targeting lithium for fusion and fission applications. They are modernizing Atomic Vapor Laser Isotope Separation technology developed at the DOE’s national labs.
Lightbridge
Lightbridge is developing twisted uranium-zirconium metallic fuel rods to improve heat transfer and increase output in existing and new reactors. Their NELP project, SHED, involves establishing a manufacturing facility for lead test assemblies.
Nusano
Nusano is developing accelerator-based radioisotope production for cancer diagnosis and treatment, industrial isotopes, and nuclear batteries. The company is also working on mass-separation technology for advanced reactor fuel.
Oklo
Oklo is developing Aurora fast-fission reactors to supply electricity and recycle used nuclear fuel. They plan to own and operate plants and sell their output under long-term contracts.
Raven-Flint Nuclear
Raven-Flint Nuclear is working on the Corvus Route for uranium conversion and uranium hexafluoride production. Their NELP project, Torch, aims to establish a pilot conversion plant at INL.
Scaled Atomics
Scaled Atomics is developing the MN-350, a mobile nuclear power system for military missions, disaster response, and remote commercial sites. Launch Pad USA will help advance their project towards demonstration and commercial deployment.
Sublime Nuclear
Sublime Nuclear is focused on rebuilding the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
Valar Atomics
Valar Atomics is developing high-temperature gas-cooled reactors for mass production and deployment across various industries.