US launches molten-salt nuclear reactor to power the grid
Big US approval for Gen IV reactor Hermes 2 to generate 20 MWe clean power
U.S. Approval for Hermes 2: A Milestone in Advanced Nuclear Technology
(GoldFix News) The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has granted approval for the construction of the first molten-salt nuclear reactor designed to power the U.S. electrical grid. This revolutionary step is led by Kairos Power, with its Hermes 2 Low-Power Demonstration Reactor to be built in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The reactor is poised to generate 20 MWe of carbon-free energy and signals a significant advancement in Generation IV (Gen IV) nuclear power technology.
Artist's rendering of molten salt reactor to be built by Kairos Power in the US.
The Comeback of Nuclear Power in a Carbon-Constrained World
With global energy demands intensifying and the push for carbon-free solutions gaining urgency, nuclear energy is reemerging as a critical player. Gen IV nuclear reactors are designed to overcome the safety and efficiency challenges of earlier technologies. These advanced systems operate with higher fuel efficiency and enhanced safety measures, mitigating risks even in extreme conditions like earthquakes.
Molten-salt reactors, one of the promising Gen IV designs, employ molten salt as a coolant and operate at high temperatures. In Kairos Power's Hermes reactors, nuclear fuel is embedded in graphite pebbles, leveraging a robust design to minimize risks and optimize performance.
Kairos Power’s Iterative Development Approach
Founded in 2016, Kairos Power has adopted an innovative and iterative approach to nuclear reactor development. By combining in-house manufacturing with rigorous hardware demonstrations, the company minimizes regulatory risks and streamlines its supply chain.
Key milestones include the creation of Engineering Test Units (ETUs) at their facilities in Albuquerque and Oak Ridge. These non-nuclear systems validate critical components such as coolant flow and heat transfer under controlled conditions, ensuring the reliability of the final reactor designs.
The upcoming Hermes 2 power plant will feature two 35-MWth reactors delivering a combined 20 MWe of clean energy to the grid. This development follows the successful approval of Hermes 1, a non-power demonstration reactor designed to prove system safety and integration.
Why Hermes 2 Stands Out
1. Oversight and Speed:
The NRC's approval of Hermes 2 took just 16 months, reflecting a streamlined permitting process supported by Kairos Power’s proactive engagement with regulators since 2018. The rapid timeline highlights a shift in regulatory efficiency while maintaining stringent safety standards.
2. Scale and Impact:
Unlike Hermes 1, which focuses on demonstration, Hermes 2 represents a tangible step toward integrating nuclear energy into the U.S. grid. Its compact but scalable architecture could pave the way for larger, more impactful applications in the future.
3. Carbon-Free Energy Production:
By utilizing TRISO fuel and fluoride salt coolant, Hermes 2 promises a clean, reliable, and safe energy source, contributing significantly to reducing carbon emissions.
The Broader Implications of Gen IV Nuclear Power
The approval of Hermes 2 marks a critical inflection point for nuclear power in the U.S. and beyond. With its ability to deliver high-efficiency, low-risk, and carbon-free energy, Gen IV technology is positioned to address key challenges in global energy policy.
The NRC’s Chair, Christopher Hanson, emphasized the efficiency of the permitting process:
“While keeping safety at the forefront, the permitting process was quite efficient, and we issued these permits in less than 18 months.”
This development underscores a broader trend of innovation and collaboration in advancing nuclear energy as a viable solution to global energy demands.
The Future of Clean Energy: What Comes Next
As Hermes 2 takes shape, the success of this project could catalyze further investment in next-generation nuclear reactors. With Kairos Power at the forefront, the U.S. is demonstrating its ability to innovate, streamline regulatory pathways, and deploy scalable solutions in the race to combat climate change.
By building a foundation for safer, more efficient nuclear power, Hermes 2 is not just a technical achievement—it’s a symbol of what’s possible in the evolving energy landscape.
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This is really interesting. Thorium dreams have always been rolled out when oil is stratosphere-ing to appease the fear. (I might venture to say, when oil was being used as a weapon by the U.S. against some other nation state, and was seriously hurting its constituents as it hoovered up their income like a tax with nothing more to show for it)
Now oil is tanking, and they are rolling this out for bigger reasons (like you write). Still would like to see the proof of multiple constructions, but this looks like a whole new ball game.
Kairos Power not a privately held company