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Building on Established Regulatory Foundations
Our licensing approach is built on existing regulatory policies that have underpinned regulatory modernization since 1999. We expect new, modern regulations to significantly reduce licensing risk. By working with the NRC to develop and exercise those frameworks, we focus our efforts on meeting safety objectives. Our approach lowers uncertainty for stakeholders and transforms a challenging bureaucracy.
Read Our FAQCommercial Deployment Plan
Understand the phases, key milestones and projected timeline of our work in Parsons.
Phase 1 — Non-nuclear
Overview: The first phase of Deep Fission's phased deployment plan focuses on engineering validation and proof-of-concept wells, which will be used to gather real-world subsurface data and validate the deep-borehole reactor design.
Status: In Progress, Targeting 2026-2027
Completed Steps:
- Drilling of the data acquisition well to a depth of approximately 6,000 feet to provide critical geological, hydrological, and thermal data
- Fabrication, hydrostatic testing, and delivery to project site of our factory-built prototype canister
Next Step:
- Demonstrate the ability to drill a commercial-scale borehole and safely deploy a prototype (non-nuclear) reactor
Oversight:
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
- Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE)
- Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC)
Phase 2 — DOE Pilot
Overview: Deep Fission plans to construct and operate its pilot demonstration reactor under DOE authorization while, in parallel, applying to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a commercial operating license to convert the same pilot reactor to commercial operation.
Status: In Progress, Targeting 2027
Completed:
- Established the licensing pathway with the NRC and submitted a Regulatory Engagement Plan
- Held multiple pre-application meetings and incorporated NRC feedback on our conceptual design and safety analysis
Next Steps:
- Obtain DOE authorization to construct and operate the pilot demonstration reactor and complete its testing and demonstration milestones
- Apply for a commercial operating license (10 CFR Part 57) with the NRC
Oversight:
- DOE Pilot Program Participation
- KDHE well drilling
- NRC commercial licensure
Phase 3 — Commercial Operations
Overview: The third phase of Deep Fission's commercial deployment plan focuses on scaling energy production at the project site through multiple reactors in clustered boreholes.
Status: Targeting 2027-2028
Completed:
- n/a
Next Step:
- Seek high-volume commercial licensing with the NRC for multiple reactors at a single site
Oversight:
- NRC commercial licensure
Participating in the DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program
Authorized under Executive Order 14301, the Reactor Pilot Program marks a historic shift in federal policy, enabling reactor testing and deployment on sites outside of national laboratories. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Department of Energy’s commitment to reform and streamline processes that will unlock innovation and speed up the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.
Deep Fission CEO and Co-Founder Liz Muller with U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright
Ensuring Safety in Our Communities
Deep Fission is actively engaged with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and other stakeholders to license the construction and safe operation of our reactor.
- predictability
- safety
- licensing efficiency
Regulatory Engagement Activity
Deep Fission began pre-application activities with the NRC in May, 2024. See select NRC filings below.
| Title | Type | Reference | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deep Fission, Inc., Conceptual Design Description of the Gravity Reactor | White Paper | View | April 22, 2026 |
| Deep Fission, Inc., NRC Regulatory Engagement Plan | Regulatory Engagement Plan | View | April 21, 2026 |