A wave of new nuclear companies has emerged, driven by the need for clean baseload power. Particularly Big Tech companies and data center builders are driving enthusiasm for the technology.

Start-ups are revitalizing the nuclear sector with advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors and fusion reactors.

• Small modular reactors (SMRs) are compact reactors, typically up to 300 megawatts in size and built in factories for faster cheaper deployment. They’re designed for flexible, scalable power.
• Microreactors are ultra-small, portable nuclear reactors (1 to 20 megawatts) designed for quick setup in remote or isolated areas. Their passive safety features and compact designs make them suitable for regions without extensive infrastructure.
• Fusion reactors generate energy by fusing atomic nuclei to produce significant amounts of electricity without long-lived radioactive waste. They’re inherently safer than fission and use abundant fuels but are still in development.

The start-ups are attracting attention and funding from both governments and private investors by promising carbon-free power with high reliability. Their approach is often more agile than that of traditional nuclear companies, with faster R&D cycles.