Deep Fission, a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) developer, has partnered with Endeavour Energy, a US sustainable infrastructure developer, to develop and deploy nuclear fission to power AI data centers. They have committed to co-developing 2GW of nuclear energy to supply Endeavour’s global portfolio of data centers which operate under the Endeavour Edged brand. The first reactors are expected to be operational by 2029.
Deep Fission Inc. (Deep Fission), a nuclear energy company pioneering a new approach to clean power by placing safe, small modular reactors (SMRs) in boreholes a mile deep.
The Deep Fission reactor is based on the time-tested (67 years) traditional technology of the pressurized water reactor (PWR), the most common type of nuclear reactor around the world. even the same fuel assemblies (which hold the fuel in place), and the same methods to control the power (control rods and boron in the coolant fluid). The Shippingport reactor was the first full-scale PWR nuclear power plant in the United States. The reactor reached criticality on December 2, 1957, and aside from stoppages for three core changes, it remained in operation until October 1982.
The Deep Fission SMR design operates at the same pressure (160 atmospheres) as does a standard PWR, and at the same core temperatures (about 315°C, equal to 600°F). As with a standard PWR, the heat is transferred to a steam generator at depth to boil water, and the non-radioactive steam rises rapidly to the surface where a standard steam turbine converts the energy to its electricity.
Our SMR has no moving parts at depth, other than the control rods and the fluid flow of the water coolant. This design minimizes the need for maintenance, although cables attached to the reactor allow it to be raised to the surface (it takes only an hour or two) if inspection of the reactor is deemed necessary.
Deep Fission SMR capsules (15MW each) can deliver high power density in a small footprint, enabling 150MW in a quarter acre and 1.5GW of clean energy generation in just 3 acres. The Deep Fission system eliminates the need for massive containment and pumping infrastructure. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has not yet ruled on buffer zone requirements for SMRs, but we do not expect our inherently safe subsurface system to require any footprint restrictions beyond the standard fence line.
The Deep Fission system leverages mature pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, the most common nuclear technology worldwide (more than 65% of U.S. commercial reactors). PWR designs use high-pressure water, which serves as a moderator that enables power production using ordinary low-enriched uranium dioxide fuel pellets. Deep Fission reactor capsules operate at depths of 1 mile underground where they are naturally pressurized by gravitational forces. This eliminates the cost and complexity of massive pressure containment vessels that are required when nuclear plants are built on the surface and reduces the risk of losing pressure due to power outage, extreme weather events or other accidental or intentional disturbances.
“There is significant momentum for nuclear power right now, but the cost is still a challenge,” said Elizabeth Muller, CEO of Deep Fission. “Our technology not only ensures the highest levels of safety but also positions us to deliver zero-carbon continuous power at a cost of just 5-7 cents per kWh,” she continued.
“Deep Fission’s solution slashes the high costs and long timelines of surface-built nuclear projects, enhances safety, and delivers clean, reliable energy with high power density of more than 100MW in a quarter acre. We’re excited to play a pivotal role in advancing this transformative approach,” Jakob Carnemark, founder of Endeavour and Edged data centers said.
With over 40 patent-protected inventions, Deep Fission’s approach leverages the natural geological advantages of deep borehole placement – robust containment and constant pressure – making the reactor inherently safe. Endeavour’s sustainable data center engineering expertise complements Deep Fission’s cutting-edge solution, creating a solid foundation for driving the rapid commercialization of these advanced nuclear reactors.
“We are constantly searching for technologies capable of supporting the unprecedented demands of AI and meeting green energy goals, but they have to be economically viable,” said Jakob Carnemark, Founder of Endeavour and Edged data centers. “Deep Fission’s solution slashes the high costs and long timelines of surface-built nuclear projects, enhances safety, and delivers clean, reliable energy with high power density of more than 100MW in a quarter acre. We’re excited to play a pivotal role in advancing this transformative approach.”
The partnership between Deep Fission and Endeavour will redefine how clean energy is incorporated into electricity-demanding industries. With a shared commitment to low-carbon power generation, this alliance aims to set a new standard for power solutions worldwide
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.
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