What's Happening?
Deep Fission, a California-based company, has received regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its underground small modular reactor (SMR) concept. This approval allows the company to advance its Gravity nuclear reactor under the federal
Reactor Pilot Program. The design involves placing a pressurized water reactor about one mile underground in a deep borehole, which is expected to simplify deployment and reduce the size of above-ground infrastructure. The DOE's approval confirms that Deep Fission's reactor concept has met the necessary requirements to proceed to the next phase of the program. The Nuclear Safety Design Agreement (NSDA) establishes the safety framework for future engineering work and regulatory reviews. Deep Fission is now set to continue with additional technical reviews before seeking authorization for a demonstration unit.
Why It's Important?
The approval of Deep Fission's underground reactor concept is significant as it represents a potential shift in how nuclear reactors are deployed and operated. By placing reactors underground, the company aims to reduce the surface footprint of nuclear facilities and utilize proven reactor technology in a new configuration. This development could lead to more efficient and safer nuclear power generation, potentially influencing the future of the nuclear industry in the U.S. and beyond. The project aligns with the goals of the Reactor Pilot Program and Executive Order 14301, which aim to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies across the United States.
What's Next?
Deep Fission will continue to work through additional technical reviews and regulatory milestones as it progresses towards demonstrating its underground reactor concept. The company is conducting construction activities at its commercial pilot site in Parsons, Kansas, where it has drilled a 6,000-foot data acquisition well and delivered a prototype reactor canister. The next phase will involve proof-of-concept work, including drilling larger-diameter wells and installing additional prototype equipment. If successful, the demonstration phase could pave the way for commercial nuclear power generation using underground reactors.
