Historic Oak Ridge Site to Host US Small Nuclear Reactor Factory

A historic stretch of land in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, once central to the Manhattan Project, is set to enter a new chapter of energy innovation. Radiant Industries Inc., a California-based nuclear startup, announced plans to build a factory for small, portable nuclear reactors at the site, aiming to begin production by 2028.

Doug Bernauer, Radiant’s founder and CEO, highlighted the symbolic shift, saying the location “will now be the site of the first portable nuclear generator production.” The company expects to roll out its first factory-built 1-megawatt Kaleidos reactors within the next few years and ramp up production to over a dozen units annually.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel

The Oak Ridge facility represents a bold step in the push for advanced nuclear designs that can be factory-built rather than constructed onsite. Proponents argue that this approach could reduce costs, streamline construction, and make nuclear energy more accessible across the country. Yet, the plan remains contingent on regulatory approval before full-scale production can begin.

Radiant is positioning itself at the forefront of what many see as a next-generation nuclear revolution in the United States. By situating its factory at a site with deep historical roots in nuclear innovation, the company seeks both practical and symbolic resonance as it develops technology aimed at shaping the future of clean energy.