Kairos Power’s Post

At Kairos Power, safety is at the core of everything we do. So, before embarking on the world’s largest Flibe test, we first had to validate the robust environmental health and safety (EHS) programs that would help ensure its success. The first Engineering Test Unit (ETU 1.0) provided a vehicle to implement industry best practices and reinforce the internal safety culture that contributes to a safe and healthy work environment for the Kairos Power team.    As we set our sights on ETU 2.0 and the Hermes Demonstration Reactor, we're reflecting on lessons learned from ETU 1.0 that will help optimize operations and increase efficiency while maintaining exemplary safety standards. Read on to learn more.  

Testing the supply chain is a challenge in any new industry, but doing so as a startup can be even more daunting. In fact, that was one of our primary objectives when we set out to build the first iteration of Kairos Power’s non-nuclear Engineering Test Unit.    We recognized that exercising supplier relationships and establishing new production capabilities for high-temperature salt components would both be critical to delivering the Hermes Demonstration Reactor.  When we acquired the ETU site in February 2020, we had no way of knowing how the COVID-19 pandemic would further stress the supply chain. This experience presented new and unique challenges and a set of vital lessons learned that are shaping the path forward for ETU 2.0 and beyond.  

At Kairos Power, when we say *rapid* iterative development, we mean it.   In November 2023, Kairos Power commenced hot Flibe testing on the first iteration of our non-nuclear Engineering Test Unit (ETU 1.0). Less than six months later, we have concluded active operations, removed the salt coolant from the system, and will start decommissioning in the coming weeks.   As we reflect on the success of ETU 1.0, we plan to share some of the invaluable lessons we’ve learned along the way. From technical hurdles to supply chain challenges, we’ll share how we leaned into our vertical integration strategy to establish key capabilities in parallel with the iterative design-build-test effort to deliver the largest Flibe system in the world.   Our goal in sharing these lessons is to demonstrate the value of our rapid iterative development approach and how we’re reducing development risk with every step as we bring new advanced reactor technology to market.    We hope you’ll enjoy following us on this journey. But first, a look back at the test that was.  

Last Saturday, Kairos Power hosted a day of exploration at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Kids and families were invited to discover the wonders of nuclear energy by immersing themselves in fun, hands-on activities and demonstrations led by Kairos Power engineers and other professionals from the local industry. Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Edward Blandford updated attendees about the Hermes Demonstration Reactor project and Kairos Power’s plans to break ground in Oak Ridge this summer.   “We are excited to get started on this new chapter for Kairos Power. Our campus in Oak Ridge will play a critical role in advancing our clean energy technology as home to both Hermes and the third iteration of our non-nuclear Engineering Test Unit. We look forward to working with local partners and are grateful to have the support of the community as we bring these facilities to life.” Thank you to the AMSE team and volunteers from the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Roane State Community College, Ultra Safe Nuclear, Type One Energy Group, ORAU, Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, and the Oak Ridge Enhanced Technology and Training Center for helping to make the event a success. And thank you to all the families who came out to spend the day with us. Our team was thrilled to engage with visitors of all ages and share how Kairos Power is working to deploy clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy in East Tennessee and beyond.

Last week, Kairos Power CEO and co-founder Mike Laufer joined industry leaders at Reuters Events Nuclear #SMR2024 to explore the roadmap to deployment for the next generation of advanced reactors. In a keynote panel moderated by Brian Fehrenbach (Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries), Laufer shared the stage with Rounette Nader (Duke Energy Corporation) and Scott Hunnewell (Tennessee Valley Authority) to discuss the need for collaboration between utilities, developers, and regulators to overcome hurdles to new nuclear deployments. Laufer shared lessons learned from Kairos Power’s iterative development approach and explained how the KP-OMADA utility consortium has helped to shape the company’s commercial strategy. “Speed and cost are really important, and Kairos Power is moving as fast as we can to meet the demand growth constraints from utilities and large load customers,” said Laufer. By integrating customer voice into requirements early on, Kairos Power is ensuring the delivery of a product that supports utilities’ evolving needs for clean, reliable, and affordable electricity on a relevant timescale. Thank you to Katie Silver and the Reuters Events team for hosting this forum at a vital time for our industry. The conversations happening now will define advanced reactors’ critical role in enabling our clean energy future.

As plans for the Hermes demonstration reactor move forward in Oak Ridge, Kairos Power is developing a comprehensive training program for the operators who will make it run. We are excited to partner with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in this effort, where we are building a simulator-based Operator Training Facility to prepare the next generation of nuclear operators to advance the clean energy future in East Tennessee. Read more: https://lnkd.in/epMGiCGN

Kairos Power is honored to once again be named a Platinum recipient of the Family Friendly New Mexico Award ­– this year with a special designation for education support! This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedicated efforts to foster a workplace culture that helps employees be successful at work and at home. Kairos Power’s family-friendly workplace policies, training programs, and professional development opportunities help team members build rewarding careers while advancing our mission to transition the world to clean energy. Thanks again to Family Friendly New Mexico, and congratulations to our fellow recipients, who share Kairos Power’s commitment to making a positive impact right here in New Mexico!   #FFNMAwards2024