A new chapter in energy production is beginning in Tennessee with the construction of the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor—marking the U.S.’s first officially approved fourth-generation nuclear reactor.
Kairos Power is at the helm, building this innovative Gen IV reactor in Oak Ridge, following approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Unlike traditional light-water reactors, the Hermes reactor uses a fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature design, which is aimed at enhancing nuclear safety and efficiency.
There is much anticipation around this new reactor’s capabilities, particularly regarding safety, security, and nuclear waste management. However, experts caution that achieving all these benefits simultaneously remains uncertain. Will it be feasible to simultaneously improve safety, cut down on waste, and lower operational costs? That’s still an open question.
Kairos Power
The Hermes reactor employs cutting-edge TRISO-coated particle fuel along with FLiBe coolant, a mixture of lithium and beryllium fluoride, focusing on delivering affordable nuclear heat rather than just electricity. This distinction highlights the potential of factory-built small modular reactors to transform current nuclear construction practices.
“We’re combining molten salt coolant with a new nuclear fuel form called TRISO, featuring tiny particles (<1 mm) encased in graphite layers for strength," explained a representative from Kairos. While the technologies themselves aren't brand new, integrating them has not been done commercially—until now. Kairos aims to leverage the advantages of both systems into one solution.
Construction is taking place at the Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, an area rooted in the history of the Manhattan Project. The project involves collaborations with various institutions, including Los Alamos National Laboratory for the TRISO fuel and the Tennessee Valley Authority for engineering expertise.
Financial backing from the U.S. Department of Energy is significant, with up to $303 million pledged through the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program.
According to Mike Laufer, CEO and co-founder of Kairos Power, “The Hermes reactor is a crucial step toward advancing reactor technology that could redefine our energy mix.” He emphasizes that insights gained from the reactor’s construction and operation will be vital for future innovations and ensuring value for their customers.
The Hermes reactor is on track to go live by 2027, promising a groundbreaking leap into the future of energy.