Bluecore Energy Advances 10 MW Floating SMR Development with Uranium Acquisition and Regulatory Engagement

Uranium Procurement and Fuel Development

Bluecore Energy has acquired uranium hexafluoride (UF6) enriched to 4.95% U-235 from WMC. This material is currently stored at a U.S. nuclear fuel facility as Bluecore Energy develops its plans for future fuel fabrication, testing, and validation. This acquisition marks a step in transitioning the company's technology from engineering and non-fueled hardware development towards fuel-related processes and eventual deployment.

Regulatory and Classification Progress

The company is simultaneously developing its safety, regulatory, and maritime classification pathways. In August, Bluecore Energy initiated pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) under 10CFR50, presenting its design overview and regulatory strategy. The U.S. Coast Guard also participated in this meeting.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June between the NRC and the U.S. Coast Guard establishes a framework for coordinating requirements and processes for civilian maritime nuclear projects. This MOU is crucial for addressing the lack of a specific regulatory framework for siting floating nuclear power plants in U.S. harbors, potentially streamlining regulatory processes where both agencies have jurisdiction.

In addition to U.S. regulatory compliance, Bluecore Energy is working with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for marine vessel classification, hull structural integrity, and maritime engineering safety. The company emphasizes that its systems are designed for deployment on floating maritime platforms, offering flexibility for future operations in various maritime locations, including potential offshore deployments to support ports, AI data centers, and coastal infrastructure.

Reactor Design and Testing

Bluecore Energy's reactor is a 10 MW PWR that will utilize nuclear fuel enriched to 4.95% U-235. The company plans to deploy these reactors on multiple tethered floating barges, branded as the Nautilus Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP). The reactor's primary coolant system operates at approximately 315°C (599°F) under high pressure, with the primary loop designed to isolate radioactive inventory. Heat rejection will use closed-circuit cooling systems that interface with maritime water loops or ambient heat sinks without releasing irradiated water.

A non-nuclear, non-fueled prototype hull and an electrically heated test pressure vessel are under construction at the company's headquarters in the Port of Long Beach. These prototypes will be used to test hydrodynamic water-flow behavior, sea-motion dynamics, and thermal hydraulics. The barges are designed to withstand harbor conditions, including wave action, tidal drift, seismic shocks, and collision risks, incorporating compartmentalized marine collision bulkheads and passive containment barriers. The entire nuclear island, turbine train, containment shell, and balance of plant are intended to be pre-integrated in a shipyard environment, bypassing traditional on-site civil concrete construction.

Kairos Power Secures $643 Million for Hermes 2 Reactor and Manufacturing Expansion

Kairos Power LLC has obtained $643 million in financing for the construction of its Hermes 2 demonstration reactor in Tennessee and for the expansion of manufacturing capabilities at a plant site in New Mexico. The funding comprises $368 million from investors, including Google Ventures and DCVC, and $275 million from the U.S. Department of Energy. An additional $100 million, with $70 million in cash, was secured from Samsung C&T Corp. through a recently announced partnership. This funding will support Samsung's role as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for Kairos reactors.

Kairos Power will manage the reactor technology, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction for the nuclear island. Samsung C&T will support selected engineering and construction activities, focusing on power-generation systems and the balance of plant. Samsung C&T's contribution includes direct investment and in-kind engineering services, subject to regulatory approvals, to facilitate the delivery of the Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This collaboration aims to enhance technical and execution readiness, building on a trilateral memorandum of understanding signed by Samsung C&T, Kairos Power, and Barnard Construction on August 18, 2026.

Hermes 2 Reactor Development

Kairos Power received construction permits for the Hermes 2 plant from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in December 2024 and began groundwork in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in April 2026. Once licensed and operational, the 50 MWe grid-connected reactor will demonstrate KP-FHR technology. This demonstration aims to reduce technical, licensing, manufacturing, and construction uncertainties for future commercial plants. The U.S. Department of Energy supports this development through an Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program risk reduction award.

The Hermes 2 plant is Kairos Power's initial deployment under an agreement with Google to develop an advanced reactor fleet. It is designed to supply up to 50 megawatts of electricity to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grid, contributing to the decarbonization of Google data centers in Tennessee and Alabama. Hermes 2 will incorporate lessons learned from the Hermes Low-Power Demonstration Reactor (Hermes 1), which began nuclear construction at the same site last year. The Hermes series will be the first fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactors (KP-FHRs), utilizing TRISO coated particle fuel and Flibe molten fluoride salt coolant.

KP-FHR Technology

Kairos Power's commercial offering is a modular, scalable, and affordable energy solution designed for multi-unit deployment. The high-temperature reactor combines TRISO particle fuel with molten fluoride salt coolant, supporting efficient electricity production and inherent safety. The company has progressed toward commercializing KP-FHR technology, leveraging engineering, manufacturing, operational, and regulatory experience.

  • Technology Class: Solid-fueled/Molten salt cooled
  • Reactor Type: Graphite-moderated, fluoride salt-cooled, high temperature reactor
  • Power Output: KP-X Demonstration Plant (50 MWe), KP-FHR Commercial Fleet (each unit will be 75 MWe)

ABS and DOE Partner to Advance Commercial Nuclear Technology in Maritime Sector

Marine classification society ABS and the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance the use of commercial nuclear technology at sea. This collaboration will focus on nuclear energy systems for floating platforms, nuclear-powered vessels, and the necessary port facilities, shipyards, and industrial infrastructure for their construction and support.

Key priorities under the MOU include evaluating the feasibility of floating nuclear energy concepts and establishing nuclear transportation corridors. The agreement also aims to bolster the US shipbuilding sector's capacity to construct and operate nuclear-powered assets. John McDonald, ABS Chairman and CEO, stated that the maritime industry must prepare for advanced nuclear technology as it transitions from concept to application. Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish noted that advanced nuclear technology could transform the commercial maritime industry and create new markets for American innovation. He added that the partnership would explore how decades of experience can be leveraged to safely introduce next-generation nuclear technologies to the maritime sector.

Recent Initiatives in Maritime SMRs

This MOU follows several federal initiatives concerning commercial maritime small modular reactors (SMRs). In May, the US Maritime Administration (Marad) launched an initiative to develop small SMRs for commercial shipping. Subsequently, in June, the Port of Long Beach agreed to establish a site for trials of nuclear-powered vessels as part of this initiative. In August, Marad and the Port of Corpus Christi signed a separate agreement to investigate SMR integration, port microgrids, shoreside power, and workforce development.

The global shipping industry currently relies on fossil fuels for nearly 99% of its energy consumption. However, the International Maritime Organization has set a target for its greenhouse gas emissions to reach net zero by approximately 2050.