Switzerland-based nuclear start-up, Deep Atomic has formally express its intent to engage with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regarding the star of the Pre-Application Process for the Design Certification of its MK60 small modular reactor (MK60 SMR).
Deep Atomic said in October 2024 that it had designed the MK60, light water SMR to serve the requirements of modern and future data centres. According to Deep Atomic, the MK60 SMR is designed using Generation III+ pressurised light water reactor technology. The reactor’s balance of plant is designed to produce 60 MW of electricity and 60 MW of cooling. The 60 MW electricity is generated by a steam turbine-generator set utilising high temperature and pressure steam from the nuclear steam supply system. The 60 MW cooling plant is driven by low grade steam after the turbine. The target date for the project (series manufacturing) is the end of 2029.
“Our goal is to start the pre-application process in order to eventually obtain a standard design certification for the MK60 SMR that is independent of any specific site,” Deep Atomic said in its letter to NRC. “We have initiated the consultation with the NRC in October 2024 and aim for submission of our Regulatory Engagement Plan in July 2025, including white papers elaborating on our reactor design for NRC review and Design Certification application submission by Q4 2027.” The letter added: “additionally, we plan to pursue Early Site Permits (ESP) to receive early NRC approval of the proposed site’s safety, thorough environmental impact review, emergency preparedness measures, and infrastructure and operational factors. We intend to submit the ESP application by Q4 2027. We will keep the NRC updated on any schedule changes and are open to early discussions, site visits, and other consultations to facilitate an efficient regulatory review process.”
