Deep Fission (FISN) EnerCom Denver – The Energy Investment Conference summary

Key innovations and technology

• Deploying proven pressurized water reactor technology in 1-mile-deep boreholes to simplify construction and reduce costs.

• Underground placement eliminates need for expensive containment domes and pressurizers, leveraging natural rock and water for safety and pressure.

• Utilizes oil and gas drilling techniques to create large-diameter wells, combining nuclear and geothermal expertise.

• Focus on minimizing manufactured components to lower costs and accelerate deployment.

• Standardized, NRC-approved low-enriched uranium fuel enables rapid regulatory progress.

Project timeline and deployment plans

• First commercial reactor targeted to be operational in Parsons, Kansas by end of 2027.

• Groundbreaking has occurred; proof-of-concept drilling and emplacement analysis underway in 2026.

• Initial reactor will operate at 5 MW electric, with grid connection planned for second half of 2027.

• High-volume deployment planned post-2027, leveraging new NRC Part 57 regulation for site-wide licensing.

• Site in Kansas leased for 100 acres, supporting over 100 reactors and 1.5 GW capacity.

Safety, security, and regulatory advantages

• Underground siting provides natural protection against attacks, earthquakes, and extreme weather.

• Emergency core cooling and containment achieved through borehole water column and rock mass.

• Achieved significant safety milestone with DOE approval of Documented Safety Analysis agreement.

• Parallel regulatory paths with DOE and NRC, aiming for accelerated commercial licensing.

• Commercial deployment plan prioritizes rapid, scalable, and secure reactor rollout.