Radiant is seeking investment to develop a low-cost mobile small modular nuclear reactor with a capacity of one megawatt.
According to Radiant, their reactor can fit inside a shipping container, providing electricity for 1,000 households and using helium as a coolant instead of water. Radiant was founded by former SpaceX engineers who believe that the reactor model designed to power their Mars colony will have an even greater impact on Earth.
Radiant’s mini reactor model. (Photo: Radiant).
Radiant has raised $1.2 million in investment to continue developing the reactor. The company’s design is specifically aimed at achieving high mobility, enabling quick and efficient deployment anywhere. The target market for the company includes remote communities and disaster-stricken areas.
The military is also a primary customer for Radiant. Just a few reactors could provide power for an entire military base in remote locations for 4 to 8 years. The reactor design not only helps reduce emissions from current diesel generators but also the need for frequent refueling by truck.
Radiant states that the fuel used for their reactor model is non-melting and can withstand higher temperatures compared to traditional nuclear fuel. Using helium for cooling significantly reduces erosion, boiling phenomena, and the risk of contamination. Radiant has received a patent for the idea of refueling the reactor and efficiently transporting heat from the reactor core.
Radiant is collaborating with several companies to refine the reactor model. Some of these companies specialize in developing mobile systems, such as the floating barge proposed by Seaborg for mass production.
