Philadelphia-based engineering, procurement and construction company Day & Zimmermann (D&Z) on June 2 announced a partnership with advanced nuclear startup Deep Fission to build the company's proprietary Gravity Nuclear Reactor, a small modular pressurized water reactor that will be installed roughly one mile underground in Parsons, Kansas.
One-mile-deep pressurized water reactor
Deep Fission's design integrates established pressurized water reactor technology with novel emplacement in deep boreholes about a mile below the surface. The arrangement uses hydrostatic pressure from a water column inside the borehole to support reactor operating pressure and cooling, while the surrounding rock provides structural confinement and shielding, eliminating the need for the megastructures that dominate conventional plants.
D&Z brings the EPC discipline
Under the agreement, Day & Zimmermann will oversee pre-construction planning and perform above-ground construction, including the non-nuclear turbine generator systems executed under ISO 9001 quality standards. "Deep Fission's advanced reactor technology, combined with Day & Zimmermann's quality program and nuclear expertise, will bring first-of-a-kind nuclear construction to reality," said Ross McConnell, D&Z Chief Nuclear Officer.
Part of the DOE Reactor Pilot Program
The Gravity reactor site at Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas was selected under the U.S. Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program, where Deep Fission is one of 10 companies tapped to push advanced reactors toward early commercial deployment. "Their track record supports our aim to deliver a new model for low-carbon, reliable power that is simpler to build, inherently safe, and scalable to meet growing energy demand," said Deep Fission COO Mike Brasel.
Momentum in U.S. advanced nuclear
The agreement adds to a busy spring for U.S. small modular reactors, including X-energy's Xe-100 UK GDA submission with Centrica, the $157M Nasdaq IPO Deep Fission filed earlier this year and the DP World, CEA and TerraWater port-of-Constanța SMR feasibility deal.
Reporting based on coverage from Day & Zimmermann, Deep Fission and PR Newswire.