Radiant, the California-based company specializing in portable nuclear generation, confirmed the construction of its first production plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
This location, famous for its role in the Manhattan Project, will be the site of the start of mass production of Kaleidos nuclear generators, a compact 1 MW technology aimed at mobile and decentralized energy solutions.
R-50: The new nuclear generator plant
The plant, named R-50, will be located on land that formerly housed the K-27 and K-29 facilities, used for uranium enrichment during the Second World War.
Radiant plans to start construction in early 2026 and begin deliveries in 2028, with a projected annual production of up to 50 units.
Why Oak Ridge?
The Oak Ridge site is not just any site. It is one of the historic epicenters of U.S. nuclear development. Today, more than 80 years later, the same space is preparing for a new chapter in the evolution of atomic energy, this time with a modular, portable and resilient approach.
The choice of location was no accident. As Tori Shivanandan, Radiant’s chief operating officer, explained, factors such as the local community’s experience with nuclear technology, the availability of skilled labor and a stable regulatory framework in Tennessee were key to the project’s success.
Autonomous power and without frequent refueling
KaleidosRadiant’s flagship micro-reactor is designed to generate power autonomously for years without the need for constant recharging. Potential applications range from remote military installations to data centers and communities without connection to conventional power grids.
Radiant was founded in 2020 with the aim of democratizing access to portable nuclear energy, betting on mass production to reduce costs and simplify its implementation. The company is already planning the first tests of its technology for 2026.
Doug Bernauer, CEO and founder of Radiant, highlighted the symbolism of the project, emphasizing that what was once a key facility for nuclear weapons development will now be a center for powering the clean, portable energy of the future.
Source and photo: Radiant