In-depth interpretation of 'Next-Generation Nuclear Energy': When AI Starts Competing for Electricity, the World Bets Anew on Nuclear Power — Top Ten Breakthrough Technologies of 2026

Russia has included small modular reactor (SMR) development in its national fundamental policy, promoting the deployment of small water-cooled reactors to safeguard its Arctic interests. In 2020, it completed the Akademik Lomonosov, a floating nuclear power plant at sea, supplying electricity, heat, and freshwater to remote cities and offshore development zones. The plant houses two small reactors, generating 70 MW of electricity, 300 MW of thermal energy, and up to 240,000 m² of freshwater. From the perspective of advanced nuclear reactor development in China, the Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a thorium-based molten salt reactor (MSR) capable of thorium-to-uranium fuel conversion—marking China’s construction of the world’s only operating thorium-fueled molten salt reactor to date, a major milestone in thorium-based MSR R&D. China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) has developed the sodium-cooled fast reactor CFR600—a 600 MW demonstration fast reactor in Xiapu—as well as the independently developed small modular pressurized water reactor Linglong One (ACP100). The Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology at Tsinghua University built a 10 MW high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). The Shidao Bay HTGR Nuclear Power Plant (HTR-PM), jointly constructed by China Huaneng Group, CNNC, and Tsinghua University, is the world’s first demonstration project employing advanced TRISO nuclear fuel in an HTGR. At the corporate level, the most advanced projects currently are those that have either entered the demonstration reactor construction phase or secured long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). U.S.-based X-energy focuses primarily on the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor Xe-100 and TRISO fuel. In October 2024, the company formed a strategic partnership with Amazon, aiming to deploy over 5 GW of nuclear capacity across the United States by 2039. TerraPower, founded by Bill Gates—who also serves as its Board Chair—is one of the most internationally influential developers of advanced nuclear energy. TerraPower received $2 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) to construct its Natrium sodium-cooled fast reactor demonstration project, targeting commercial operation before 2030. Kairos Power is the first U.S. company to receive regulatory approval to begin constructing a next-generation nuclear reactor. In 2023, it obtained construction authorization from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for its Hermes demonstration reactor and commenced construction in 2024. It also secured $303 million in ARDP funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. Public information indicates that Kairos Power’s experimental molten salt reactor—Hermes 2, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee—is now under construction. Moreover, Kairos has signed a power purchase agreement with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), marking the first time a U.S. utility has contracted to buy electricity from a Generation IV advanced reactor. Additionally, Kairos’ first SMR factory unit is scheduled to enter operation by 2030. UK-based startup Newcleo is developing a small lead-cooled fast reactor, targeting commissioning of its first 30-MW unit in France by 2030. Subsequently, it plans to develop a 200-MW version and achieve commercial deployment in the UK, having already invested €50 million.

Molten Salt Reactor Project Breaks Ground

Secondhand Goods • Community Services • Parking Spaces & Housing • Job Listings & Recruitment Community for Industry Secondhand Items → Click to View: Nuclear Fun Marketplace On April 17 (U.S. time), Kairos Power held a groundbreaking ceremony in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for its Hermes 2 demonstration facility. This is the company’s first commercially scaled reactor—and the very first Generation IV power-producing reactor ever granted a construction license by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Hermes 2 is the first deployment under a landmark agreement between Kairos Power and Google to develop a fleet of advanced reactors. The facility will supply up to 50 MW of clean electricity to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grid, supporting decarbonization efforts at Google’s data centers in Tennessee and Alabama. Hermes 2 will be built adjacent to last year’s Hermes 1 facility, located at the same site. The Hermes series will be among the first fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (KP-FHRs) ever constructed. It integrates mature nuclear technologies pioneered at Oak Ridge—including TRISO-coated particle fuel and FLiBe molten fluoride salt coolant. These technologies simplify reactor design, reduce capital costs, and enhance inherent safety. As the direct precursor to Kairos Power’s full-scale commercial plant, Hermes 2 will further strengthen the company’s confidence and readiness in future deployments—across technology, licensing, supply chain, and construction.

Nuclear Project in Tennessee Poised for US Regulatory Approval

Sep 25, 2026

US regulators are expected to approve a construction permit for a small modular nuclear plant by the Tennessee Valley Authority. This signals momentum for SMR technology, though high costs remain a challenge for commercialization.

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Nuclear Project in Tennessee Poised for US Regulatory Approval

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