Startup brings fresh approach to US nuclear deployment

The company, which emerged from "stealth mode" in July, says its mission is "to address surging energy demand driven by AI (artificial intelligence) data computing, onshoring manufacturing, and the electrification of everything." Global electricity demand is projected to increase nearly 30% by 2030, and nuclear can provide the reliable, around-the-clock, zero-carbon power required to meet it. But the biggest challenge facing the industry is that one-off nuclear projects almost always are over budget and behind schedule, the company said.

The Nuclear Company's fleet-scale model combines using proven, licensed technology and a design-once, build-many approach, developing coalitions across communities, regulators and financial stakeholders to catalyse rapid development. It will do this by developing standardised processes and scheduling in order to sequence work and minimise delays, including moving construction expertise from one site to the next immediately to improve efficiency.

"The Nuclear Company is working towards solving America's surging energy demand by redefining how large-scale, nuclear infrastructure projects are delivered," said Chief Development Officer Juliann Edwards. "We recognise the challenges facing our industry, where one-off nuclear projects historically go over budget and run behind schedule. Our unique approach integrates proven technology with unparalleled collaboration among diverse organisations, ensuring that fleet-scale projects are executed on-time and on-budget. The time is now given a sea change in public opinion that’s overwhelmingly supportive of nuclear power, recent bipartisan legislative action, and our business model that drives down upfront costs."

Early investors in the company include investment firm CIV, True Ventures, Wonder Ventures, Goldcrest Capital, and MCJ Collective.

Nulcear Frontier

The Nuclear Frontier bus tour began on 23 July in Pittsburgh at the annual conference held by US Women in Nuclear - Edwards is chair of the organisation. With stops in six states and Washington DC, the tour aims to engage with government and industry leaders, as well as skilled tradespeople who will rebuild America’s nuclear leadership. "The Nuclear Company’s consortium of utilities and independent power producers, hyperscalers, nuclear technology suppliers, and private equity help mitigate risk and make nuclear power an attractive investment," the company said.

Joe Klecha has recently been announced as the company's chief nuclear officer.