- Hermes Reactor: Kairos Power’s Hermes, a non-power prototype of their fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-HFR), is the first Generation IV reactor approved for construction by the US NRC and aims to demonstrate affordable nuclear heat production by 2027.
- Modular and Iterative Approach: The project includes the construction of the Engineering Test Unit (ETU 3.0) for gaining critical data and experience, with both Hermes and ETU 3.0 utilizing modular construction techniques for efficiency and innovation.
- Partnerships and Progress: Key partnerships include Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the Tennessee Valley Authority, with the NRC also advancing the review of the subsequent Hermes 2 electricity-generating reactor.
Hermes, a non-power variant of Kairos Power’s fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor, the KP-HFR, has become the first and only Generation IV reactor to receive construction approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Set to become operational by 2027, Hermes marks Kairos Power’s initial foray into nuclear energy and represents a crucial milestone in the company’s iterative process of commercializing advanced reactor technology. The primary goal of Hermes is to demonstrate the capability of producing affordable nuclear heat, although it will not be generating electricity. The production of electricity is slated for the next phase, with the proposed Hermes 2 plant.
To bring Hermes to fruition, Kairos Power has enlisted Barnard Construction Company, Inc., a heavy-civil construction firm, to manage the construction work at the Oak Ridge, Tennessee site. Concurrently, Barnard and Kairos Power are collaborating on the development of the third Engineering Test Unit (ETU 3.0). This non-nuclear demonstration facility, located alongside Hermes, is designed to generate critical supply chain, construction, and operational insights that will benefit the Hermes project. This approach ensures that valuable lessons learned from ETU 3.0’s construction will seamlessly translate to the Hermes facility.
Kairos Power CEO and co-founder Mike Laufer has emphasized that Hermes is a pivotal step in advancing reactor technology. According to Laufer, the experience gained from constructing and operating Hermes will be instrumental in fostering continued innovation within the company’s testing program and accelerating progress toward achieving cost certainty for future customers.
Both Hermes and ETU 3.0 will utilize modular construction techniques, with reactor modules being manufactured at Kairos Power’s facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico, before being transported to Oak Ridge for assembly. This modular approach aims to showcase the potential of a factory-built small modular reactor design, promising to revolutionize traditional nuclear construction practices.
The Hermes project represents a collaborative effort between Kairos Power and several key partners, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, EPRI, and Materion Corporation. Additionally, Kairos Power is working with Los Alamos National Laboratory to produce TRISO pebble fuel for the Hermes reactor. The Tennessee Valley Authority is also involved, providing engineering, operations, and licensing support through a cooperative development agreement.
In December of the previous year, the NRC issued a construction permit for Hermes. Kairos Power has also submitted a construction permit application for Hermes 2, a reactor designed to generate electricity. This proposed plant, also located in Oak Ridge, will feature two 35 MWt units similar to those in the Hermes facility. Recently, the NRC completed its final safety evaluation of the Hermes 2 application, finalizing its review nearly four months ahead of schedule and with approximately 60% fewer resources than initially anticipated, thanks to the insights gained from the Hermes review.
