MIT Technology Review released its list of '10 Climate Tech Companies to Watch'—two Chinese companies made the list.

Cyclic Materials plans to build more radii and hub facilities globally, beginning with expansion across North America, followed by Europe and Asia. In addition, the company intends to continue advancing technological innovation. At its Kingston R&D center, researchers are developing industry-specific recycling solutions—for example, methods to rapidly dismantle wind turbines and extract their large-volume rare-earth magnets. 6. Kairos Power — Exploring safer, more efficient nuclear energy pathways using molten salt cooling and novel fuel pebbles. Sector: Nuclear power generation Founded: 2016 Headquarters: Alameda, California, USA Highlight: In 1954, the U.S. Oak Ridge National Laboratory built the world’s first molten salt reactor, initially intended for research into supersonic nuclear-powered aircraft. Like many emerging nuclear startups, Kairos promises a reliable, zero-carbon, 24/7 energy source. What sets it apart is that it not only has prototype reactors under construction but has also secured licensing for commercial reactors. Kairos was selected for last year’s list due to its safer small modular reactor (SMR) design. This reactor generates electricity via nuclear fission but uses molten salt—as both coolant and heat-transfer medium—instead of the high-pressure water systems employed in conventional nuclear plants. Striking a careful balance between speed and safety, Kairos has planned a series of non-nuclear test reactors to explore how to circulate this specialized coolant—a molten mixture of fluorine, lithium, and beryllium—more efficiently. This stepwise experimental process continues. Recently, Kairos installed the reactor vessel for its third non-nuclear test facility at the historic Oak Ridge nuclear site in Tennessee. The unit will test the coolant circulation system and Kairos’ proprietary innovative fuel: golf-ball-sized fuel pebbles containing tiny uranium “seeds” encased in multiple layers of carbon and ceramic. Developed jointly by the UK and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), this fuel is supported by up to $303 million in DOE funding for Kairos’ “Hermes” reactor currently under construction at the same site. Ultimately, Kairos expects the combination of its fuel and specialized coolant to enable commercial reactors cost-competitive with natural gas plants—while offering far greater safety than traditional nuclear reactors, even under complete loss-of-power conditions. Potential Impact As the U.S. government significantly cuts federal subsidies for solar and wind projects, nuclear energy stands out as one of the few zero-carbon technologies still enjoying bipartisan support. Though next-generation nuclear systems face long development timelines and high costs, nuclear reactors remain uniquely capable of delivering round-the-clock baseload power—directly replacing fossil-fueled plants. Kairos’ SMRs are especially suited for locations requiring stable electricity supply—or lacking reliable grid infrastructure. These reactors operate 24/7 regardless of weather and function largely independently of the grid. Applications include AI data centers, remote towns, and critical transportation hubs. Earlier this year, following a substation failure at London’s Heathrow Airport that grounded or diverted over 1,000 flights, Denver International Airport announced it is considering building a similar modular reactor to enhance energy security.

To power data centers, Google will partner with nuclear startup Kairos Power to build seven small modular reactors.

Against the backdrop of rapid AI advancement, the surging energy demand from data centers has become a global focal point. Meeting this demand while ensuring sustainability has emerged as a major challenge for the tech industry. To address this challenge, Google recently announced a new agreement with nuclear startup Kairos Power to construct seven small modular reactors (SMRs) to supply clean power to its data centers. Previously, Microsoft had already entered the nuclear space; Google’s latest move further underscores the tech industry’s urgent need for clean energy—and opens new possibilities for nuclear power’s role in the digital age. Under the agreement, Kairos Power will supply approximately 500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to Google. These new nuclear plants are expected to begin operations around 2030, delivering clean energy to Google’s U.S. data centers. Michael Terrell, Google’s Senior Director of Energy and Climate, told media: “We believe nuclear energy plays a critical role in supporting clean growth and enabling AI development. The grid needs this clean, reliable energy to support these technologies. We believe nuclear can play a significant role in meeting our needs.” Founded in 2016 and backed by the U.S. Department of Energy, Kairos Power is developing a novel nuclear reactor cooling technology that replaces traditional water-based systems with molten salts—specifically, a mixture of lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride. This new cooling technology promises higher reactor efficiency and safety, while also reducing nuclear waste generation. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved Kairos Power’s plan to build a 35-megawatt demonstration reactor. In July 2023, Kairos Power began constructing its low-power demonstration reactor at Oak Ridge, Tennessee—a pivotal milestone on its path to commercialization. SMRs represent an emerging concept in the nuclear industry, aiming to lower costs and accelerate plant construction through mass production techniques. Compared with large-scale nuclear plants, SMRs feature smaller scale, faster construction timelines, and lower capital costs. Their modular design allows components to be factory-fabricated and then shipped to sites for assembly—significantly shortening construction schedules. Moreover, SMRs offer flexibility, enabling better adaptation to diverse energy demands and geographic conditions. Globally, only three SMRs are currently operational—and none are located in the United States. Yet interest in and support for this technology are growing steadily. Both the U.S. government and private sector are actively promoting SMR development, viewing it as a key tool for achieving energy transition and cutting carbon emissions. Google’s partnership with Kairos Power will undoubtedly provide strong impetus for SMR commercialization—and serves as yet another example of tech companies turning to nuclear energy. Data centers require uninterrupted, reliable 24/7 power, and nuclear energy remains the only zero-emission source capable of delivering baseload electricity. Many major tech firms have set ambitious decarbonization targets—prompting them to increasingly consider nuclear energy.

Nuclear Startup Kairos Raises $643 Million for Tennessee Project

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Kairos Power secured $643 million in funding from investors including Google Ventures and the US Energy Department to construct its Hermes 2 demonstration reactor in Tennessee. The investment supports manufacturing expansion amid rising electricity demand for data centers.

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Nuclear Startup Kairos Raises $643 Million for Tennessee Project

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