US-based NANO Nuclear Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office to evaluate the feasibility of siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of the company’s ‘ZEUS’ and ‘ODIN’ experimental microreactors at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), one of the foremost research sites for nuclear science and technology in the US.
NANO Nuclear will work with the DOE and Battelle Energy Alliance, the current operator of INL, to progress the development, siting, and eventual testing of NANO Nuclear’s microreactor designs. The ZEUS and ODIN microreactors are designed to deliver clean, portable power solutions for remote and industrial applications, supporting the United States’ energy security and climate objectives.
NANO Nuclear founded in 2022, is developing ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure coolant reactor, each representing clean energy solutions that are portable. Although both are still in the design stage, NANO projects their deployment in 20-30.
The MOU outlines several core activities, such as site evaluations, support of Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing activities, and the development of operational and security plans, including hazardous material management. NANO Nuclear and the DOE will collaborate to assess the suitability of INL’s infrastructure and secure appropriate land-use agreements for supporting the experimental reactors, focusing on site selection, feasibility studies, and thorough security and emergency planning. Each party will be responsible for its own costs, as specified in the MOU.
“Partnering with the DOE and Idaho National Laboratory on this initiative underscores our commitment to developing advanced nuclear technologies that meet the highest standards for safety and environmental stewardship,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy.
The MOU also includes provisions for regulatory coordination, communication strategies, and efforts to ensure environmental compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with both parties committed to adhering to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
“This partnership with DOE’s Idaho Operations Office allows us to take multiple critical steps toward demonstrating the economic viability and real-world applications of NANO Nuclear’s microreactor technology,” said James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Development of Nano Nuclear Energy. “We look forward to working closely with the DOE and INL to explore new horizons in nuclear energy, bringing innovative power solutions to communities and industries that need them most.”
The collaboration will leverage INL’s existing expertise and infrastructure to support NANO Nuclear’s mission to provide safe, reliable, and sustainable energy. The MOU will remain in effect for five years, with an option for renewal.
