Radiant Industries Secures $165M for Micro-Reactor Development

Radiant Industries, a US nuclear startup, has raised $165 million in Series C funding to complete its small reactor design, the Kaleidos micro-reactor. The reactor is aimed at replacing diesel generators at remote sites and can operate for several years without refueling. Radiant now has raised $225 million for the 1-megawatt system, which can be delivered in a single shipping container and installed in a day.

Radiant Industries, a U.S. nuclear startup, has successfully raised $165 million in Series C funding to complete its small reactor design, the Kaleidos micro-reactor. The funding will support the development of a 1-megawatt system that can be delivered in a single shipping container and installed in a day. The reactor is aimed at replacing diesel generators at remote sites and can operate for several years without refueling [1].

The Series C funding brings Radiant's total funding to $225 million, which includes previous Series A and B rounds. The company has demonstrated significant progress in developing its micro-reactor technology, which is designed to be compact, efficient, and easy to deploy. The funding will enable Radiant to further refine its design, conduct additional testing, and prepare for commercial deployment [1].

The Kaleidos micro-reactor is designed to be a cost-effective and reliable solution for remote locations, such as mining sites, military bases, and research stations. By eliminating the need for frequent refueling and reducing the environmental impact of diesel generators, the micro-reactor offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for power generation in remote areas.

Radiant Industries is not alone in its pursuit of advanced nuclear technologies. The U.S. government has been actively supporting the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) through initiatives such as the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) and the DOME microreactor test bed. The DOME test bed, located at the Idaho National Laboratory, is expected to be ready to receive the first experimental reactor in the fall of 2026, with testing likely to begin in 2027. The NRIC estimates that over DOME's operational lifespan of 20 years, a reactor could be tested "approximately every 12–24 months" [2].

The collaboration between Snow Lake Resources Ltd. and Exodys Energy to form a new nuclear reactor development and deployment company further underscores the growing interest in advanced nuclear technologies. The new company will focus on developing small modular reactors (SMRs) based on existing and mature pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology. This approach leverages the deep expertise and industrial infrastructure associated with PWR reactors, ensuring strong regulatory readiness and a mature supply chain [2].

The development of the Kaleidos micro-reactor by Radiant Industries and the formation of new nuclear reactor companies by Snow Lake and Exodys Energy demonstrate the significant momentum in the nuclear energy sector. The ongoing U.S. nuclear resurgence, driven by policy initiatives and technological advancements, is creating an extraordinary opportunity for companies to lead the next wave of innovation in nuclear power generation.

References:
[1] https://www.ans.org/news/article-7057/developers-can-apply-now-to-test-a-fueled-reactor-in-nrics-dome/
[2] https://quantisnow.com/insight/snow-lake-and-exodys-energy-collaborate-to-support-the-formation-of-a-new-nuclear-6060640