The United States has had an extensive history when it comes to nuclear possession, and it is not willing to let up in dominating that particular realm. According to numerous reports, the United States is the world’s largest producer of nuclear energy, generating an estimated 30% of the world’s total nuclear electricity. It has 94 operational reactors, but that number is destined to increase after Deep Fission named Parsons, Kansas, as the host site for a DOE-backed advanced nuclear reactor pilot.
A first of its kind: Reviewing the new nuclear strategy for Kansas
At the moment, the United States has all the resources to develop nuclear energy to an unprecedented level. However, it still has to carefully plan how to dominate in this realm. Interestingly, Deep Fission’s project is part of the first advanced nuclear technologies to obtain support under the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program. The program launched in June of 2025 is specifically aiming to quicken the installation of nuclear technologies by authorizing test reactor projects outside of the national laboratories. This is massive in the context of the US because it gives private companies greater freedom when it comes to carrying out nuclear developments, which in turn could encourage an increased number of people to pursue it.
In terms of its technical or more specific objectives, the program is aiming to streamline regulatory review and support the construction of at least three test reactors by July 4, 2026. Such is the urgency of the initiative that a program launched in June of 2025 is seeking to make significant progress by early 2026. Deep Fission finds itself at the center of a development that could potentially transform nuclear generation in the United States.
Understanding why Deep Fission is primed to deliver a groundbreaking development
Deep Fission has not existed for as long as other corporations, unbeknownst to many people. The company was founded in 2023 and assumed the responsibility of developing a novel small modular reactor (SMR) technology that is designed for placement one mile underground in a borehole. The purpose of the underground location is to increase safety and reduce surface construction costs by up to 80%, which is massive considering how costly typical nuclear projects are. The pilot reactor represents a drastic change in nuclear development strategies away from the usual above-ground power plants.
Unpacking why Parsons, Kansas, is the designated region for the development
When projects of such a large magnitude are announced, all regions in the United States are brought together in proximity so that they may enjoy the benefits of it. Thus, it was necessary for the company to elaborate on why it chose Parsons, Kansas, as the host. This is what Liz Muller, CEO of Deep Fission, had to say:
“Kansas has long been a leader in energy production, and we’re continuing to diversify our portfolio with innovative technologies such as advanced nuclear.” “As Deep Fission prepares to demonstrate its DOE-supported pilot reactor in Parsons, Commerce will support their efforts to integrate a thoughtful and transparent community engagement process that gives local residents clear avenues to ask questions and be part of the conversation.”
What are some of the challenges that Parsons, Kansas, will need to overcome?
The Kansas community and a portion of people in the nation have expressed concerns regarding the regulatory path, safety oversight, and environmental considerations of the development. The newer way of generating nuclear power is not inclusive of people. In contrast, the traditional way includes public hearings and utility commission reviews that allowed people to express their overall opinions.
One thing that the public might not be fully privy to is that no energy development is ever smooth sailing. Companies face a lot of hurdles, especially in this particular case of Deep Fission, which is a newer establishment and is taking on a project that is different from what people are used to.
