Radiant Industries, a California-based nuclear startup with roots in space exploration, announced yesterday that it plans to build a factory at ETTP Heritage Center to produce portable nuclear microreactors, called Kaleidos. The $280 million investment, to be located on the former K-27/K-29 footprint, will create 175 jobs. It is the latest in a series of nuclear industrial investments in Oak Ridge. The Kaleidos microreactors could offer emissions-free replacements for smaller-scale power producers like industrial diesel generators.
“Tennessee is quickly emerging as the national leader in clean, reliable energy production,” said Governor Bill Lee at the announcement event. “That’s why innovative companies like Radiant are choosing our state for cutting-edge manufacturing and R&D. I’m proud to welcome Radiant to the Tennessee family and look forward to the vital role this company will play on the global stage, producing what will become the world’s first nuclear microreactor from right here in Oak Ridge.”
This announcement marks the latest investment at ETTP Heritage Center that has been made possible because of UCOR’s successful cleanup of the site. Roane County Executive Wade Creswell praised DOE and UCOR, stating that this development wouldn’t be possible “if it weren’t for the incredible cleanup effort by the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management and their partner UCOR.”
“UCOR is proud that our ‘Cleanup Today for a Nuclear Tomorrow’ initiative for the Department of Energy has enabled the nation’s first Nuclear Innovation Hub,” said UCOR President & CEO Ken Rueter. “Radiant joins Kairos Power, Triso-X, Orano USA, Oklo, and dozens of next-gen nuclear companies that have announced $7 billion+ in construction and around 2,000 new jobs in the Oak Ridge Corridor. Thanks to Gov. Lee’s leadership, our region has created the blueprint for what DOE Secretary Wright is calling ‘Manhattan Project 2.0.’”
