In the heart of El Segundo, California, a groundbreaking effort is underway that could reshape how the world approaches energy production. Radiant, a company focused on developing portable microreactors, is pioneering a new frontier in nuclear power. Their goal: to create scalable, portable nuclear reactors capable of replacing diesel generators in the most challenging environments. With the clock ticking, Radiant is just 18 months away from deploying its first operational reactor, an achievement that could redefine energy sustainability and security.

A New Era for Nuclear Power

Nuclear power has long been associated with large-scale plants and decades-long project timelines. However, Radiant’s vision challenges this norm by focusing on microreactors designed for rapid deployment and mass production. These reactors are intended to provide a reliable, carbon-free alternative to diesel generators, which are widely used in remote and off-grid locations but emit significant greenhouse gases.

Radiant’s microreactor, dubbed "Kaleidos," represents the cutting edge of nuclear technology. Compact yet powerful, it can generate one megawatt of electricity—enough to replace traditional diesel generators in military bases, disaster zones, and remote areas. The potential applications extend beyond Earth, with implications for space exploration and sustainable development in extreme environments.

The Path to Innovation

Radiant’s journey began in 2020 when a group of engineers, including several former SpaceX employees, decided to tackle the challenge of creating portable nuclear reactors. The team’s focus on smaller, more versatile designs stemmed from a recognition that traditional nuclear power, while efficient, was limited by its scale and cost.

The company’s approach relies on rapid prototyping and iterative design, akin to the philosophy that propelled SpaceX’s success in space exploration. By focusing on creating a "minimum viable product," Radiant has built a reactor that is small enough to be transported and deployed quickly, yet robust enough to meet stringent safety and operational standards.

Why Nuclear?

Radiant’s emphasis on nuclear power stems from its unparalleled efficiency and reliability. Unlike solar and wind energy, which depend on environmental conditions, nuclear reactors can provide continuous power in any location. This capability is crucial for remote and extreme environments, such as military outposts, Arctic research stations, and disaster recovery sites.

“Nuclear power is a superpower,” says Doug Bernauer, Radiant’s CEO and co-founder. “If you want to have cities at the bottom of the ocean, power on Mount Everest, or sustainable energy for space exploration, nuclear is the best form of fuel.”

Beyond its versatility, nuclear power saves lives. Traditional fuel supply chains, such as those required for diesel generators, are vulnerable to attacks and accidents. Bernauer notes that over 55% of U.S. soldier casualties in the Iraq conflicts were related to fuel convoys. Portable nuclear reactors could eliminate the need for such convoys, significantly reducing risks.

Overcoming Challenges

Building portable nuclear reactors is no small feat. Radiant faces technical, regulatory, and logistical hurdles as it works to bring its vision to life. Unlike traditional industries, where iterative testing is standard, nuclear projects often face extensive regulatory requirements that make rapid development difficult.

“We don’t get to do this multiple times,” Bernauer explains. “We have to build this thing, turn it on, and ensure it works perfectly the first time.”

One of Radiant’s key innovations is its use of helium as a coolant. Unlike water, helium does not become radioactive, minimizing environmental risks in the event of an accident. Additionally, Radiant’s reactors use TRISO fuel, a type of particle fuel encapsulated in ceramic, which enhances safety and containment.

Redefining Safety

Safety is at the core of Radiant’s design philosophy. By miniaturizing reactors and incorporating advanced materials, the company aims to address public concerns about nuclear energy. The Kaleidos reactor includes passive cooling systems that ensure it can safely shut down without external intervention, even in emergency scenarios.

The company’s digital twin technology plays a critical role in safety testing. This system simulates the reactor’s behavior in real-time, allowing engineers to test various scenarios, including system failures. By addressing potential issues virtually, Radiant ensures its designs are robust before physical implementation.

Scaling the Vision

Radiant’s ultimate goal is to produce 50 microreactors per year by 2028, enabling widespread adoption of its technology. The reactors are designed to be modular and scalable, with configurations that can generate up to four megawatts of power in a compact space. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, from powering remote villages to supporting industrial operations.

In addition to its terrestrial applications, Radiant’s technology has implications for space exploration. Nuclear power is critical for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By demonstrating the viability of portable reactors on Earth, Radiant is paving the way for their use in extraterrestrial environments.

A Revolution in Energy Production

Radiant’s approach marks a significant departure from traditional nuclear energy development. Historically, the industry has been characterized by massive projects requiring billions of dollars and decades of construction. Radiant’s focus on small, rapidly deployable reactors could disrupt this paradigm, making nuclear power accessible to new markets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The company’s success has the potential to reshape global energy systems. By providing a reliable, carbon-free alternative to diesel generators, Radiant’s reactors could accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future. This shift is particularly important as the world grapples with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

The Road Ahead

As Radiant approaches its 18-month milestone, the company is focused on finalizing its reactor design and completing rigorous safety testing. The team’s relentless pursuit of innovation has already yielded significant breakthroughs, including successful tests of its helium circulator and digital twin systems.

Looking forward, Radiant plans to conduct its first fuel test at Idaho National Laboratory in 2026. This milestone will mark the culmination of years of development and lay the groundwork for commercial deployment.

Conclusion

Radiant’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation and determination. By reimagining nuclear power for the 21st century, the company is tackling some of the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Whether powering remote locations, enhancing energy security, or enabling space exploration, Radiant’s microreactors represent a bold step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.

In the words of Bernauer, “Scaling a company is challenging, but the opportunity to redefine what’s possible in energy makes it all worthwhile.” With its first reactor just 18 months away, Radiant is poised to revolutionize how we think about nuclear power—one portable reactor at a time.