Nuclear startup Kairos Power has achieved a significant milestone, receiving approval from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to start construction on two test reactors in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This approval marks a crucial step towards providing 500 megawatts of electricity to Google's datacenters, as part of a deal inked in October.

The Hermes 2 reactors, which are scaled-down versions of Kairos' commercial-scale power plant, will be capable of producing 35 megawatts of heat each. The reactors will be connected to a 20-megawatt turbine to generate electricity. Notably, Kairos' design differs from traditional nuclear reactors, utilizing uranium-coated fuel and a molten salt cooling system, which offers enhanced safety features.

The NRC approval comes after 18 months of review, a relatively swift timeline compared to previous reactor permits. With this milestone achieved, the pressure is now on Kairos to deliver on its promises, aiming to have the first reactor online for Google by 2030 and the rest completed by 2035. This development is a significant step forward for the nuclear power industry and the startup community, showcasing innovative solutions for clean energy.