Deep Fission: Nuclear Micro-Reactors for Data Center Power

Underground Nuclear Power: A New Approach

During the 1950s, the United States initiated a program of underground nuclear bomb detonations. This was implemented to mitigate the fallout – both radioactive and the resulting political repercussions – associated with atmospheric testing.

For four decades, hundreds of feet of rock provided a containment barrier as nations continued to conduct subsurface explosions.

Deep Fission's Innovative Plan

Now, a novel nuclear energy startup, Deep Fission, proposes to bury a compact reactor underground. The intention is to utilize the earth’s depth as an alternative to the substantial concrete shielding typically required for reactors situated above ground.

On Tuesday, Deep Fission formalized an agreement with data center developer Endeavour to construct 2 gigawatts of subterranean nuclear power capacity.

Investment and Funding

Endeavour has made an investment in Deep Fission as part of this collaboration. However, the specific financial details of the investment were not disclosed when TechCrunch inquired.

Previously, Deep Fission secured $4 million in funding last August.

The Rise of Nuclear Startups

There is currently significant activity within the nuclear startup sector. This surge is partly fueled by the increasing energy demands of data centers, which are powering computationally intensive applications like artificial intelligence.

Several major tech companies are exploring nuclear energy options:

• Google is collaborating with Kairos for 500 megawatts of reactor capacity.
• Amazon is partnering with X-Energy for approximately 300 megawatts.
• Data center operator Switch has agreed to a 12 gigawatt electricity supply with Oklo, backed by Sam Altman.
• Meta is soliciting proposals from nuclear developers.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

The majority of these nuclear startups are focused on the development of small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors aim to reduce costs through standardized, mass-production techniques.

Their reduced size is also attractive to developers seeking to maximize server density on their properties.

Deep Fission's Reactor Deployment

Deep Fission’s reactors will be lowered into the earth using cables, descending a one-mile deep borehole with a 30-inch diameter.

These reactors utilize a pressurized-water design, a widely adopted technology found in applications ranging from nuclear submarines to large-scale power plants.

Heat generated by the reactor will be converted into steam by a steam generator. This steam will then be transmitted to the surface through pipes extending the length of the borehole.

Reactor maintenance will involve raising the unit to the surface, a process the company estimates will take “only an hour or two.”

Deep Fission is projecting energy costs between five to seven cents per kilowatt-hour, which is less than half of the current estimated cost of new nuclear power in the U.S., according to Lazard.

A Potential Nuclear Renaissance

This agreement represents the latest in a series of developments that, if realized, could initiate a resurgence of nuclear power in the United States.

Deep Fission anticipates activating its first reactor in 2029, aligning with the timelines of other companies in the field.

Regulatory Hurdles

Like many of its competitors, Deep Fission is currently awaiting licensing approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

The startup initiated the licensing process in March. Historically, obtaining approval could take several years, but new legislation establishes an 18-month timeframe for the NRC to approve or deny licenses for SMRs.

Currently, Kairos is the only company to have successfully completed this process.