California Energy Firm to Build Underground Nuclear Reactor in Utah
Utah is set to host an underground nuclear reactor developed by California-based Deep Fission. The company announced this initiative in September 2023, identifying Utah, Texas, and Kansas as the first testing locations for its small modular pressurized water reactors. Deep Fission has secured letters of intent for joint development projects at each of these sites.
Deep Fission’s Vision for Nuclear Energy
Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with partners across the three states. She emphasized the necessity for reliable, carbon-free baseload power in the U.S., stating, “Together, we’re laying the groundwork for the next era of nuclear energy.”
Safety and Design Features
The innovative reactor will be built one mile underground. This location takes advantage of the surrounding geology, providing abundant natural shielding and passive containment for enhanced safety. Deep Fission believes this approach not only lowers operational costs but also minimizes the reactor’s environmental footprint.
Groundbreaking in Kansas and Future Developments
Deep Fission held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first reactor site at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas. However, details about the specific location of the Utah reactor remain undisclosed, as confirmed by a company spokeswoman.
Utah’s Commitment to Nuclear Energy
The state of Utah has shown a strong commitment to nuclear energy as a crucial component of its energy strategy. In November 2023, Governor Spencer Cox announced partnerships with two other companies to establish a comprehensive civil nuclear energy system in Brigham City. This initiative is part of the broader Operation Gigawatt program aimed at enhancing energy production in Utah.
Nuclear Energy and Data Centers
Utah lawmakers recognize the growing demand for energy, with Senate President Stuart Adams stating, “Utah needs more energy. The United States needs more energy.” This sentiment is partly fueled by the increasing energy requirements of data centers, especially those supporting advancements in artificial intelligence.
- Millard County will host two advanced AI-ready data centers.
- One of these centers is expected to be the largest in the world, covering 20 million square feet.
Deep Fission’s federal filings indicate that data centers are a primary target market, with plans to cater to the high energy demands of these facilities. The company aims to deliver installations of at least 1.5 gigawatts to meet the needs of hyperscale data centers and other sectors.
Future Prospects
Deep Fission is involved in a pilot program initiated during the Trump administration that aims to accelerate the development and deployment of nuclear reactors. With necessary approvals from the Department of Energy, the company plans to have its first reactor operational in Kansas by July 4, 2026. While further details on Utah’s reactor are pending, the state’s movement towards increased nuclear energy production appears well underway.
