NANO Nuclear Energy Establishes Specialized Facility in New York to Advance Microreactor Development
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., a pioneering advanced nuclear energy and technology firm focused on clean energy solutions, has announced a significant milestone in its development journey. The Company is establishing a state-of-the-art demonstration facility in Westchester County, New York, designed to showcase the operation and viability of several non-nuclear components of its four advanced nuclear microreactors under development: ZEUSTM, ODINTM, LOKI MMRTM, and KRONOS MMRTM.
This facility marks a significant expansion of NANO Nuclear’s operational footprint and is expected to play a crucial role in the Company’s development strategy. In addition to microreactor component testing, the facility will also support ongoing work on NANO Nuclear’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III project, which is focused on the development of the Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) technology. ALIP is a cutting-edge system designed to enhance high-efficiency thermal fluid management for clean energy and high-temperature industrial processes. Unlike traditional mechanical pumps, ALIP operates using electromagnetic principles, offering significant efficiency advantages.
According to the Company, ALIP represents a critical enabling technology for its suite of microreactors. The SBIR Phase III project aims to transition this innovative pump system from research to commercialization, making it an integral part of future nuclear energy applications. This development is in alignment with NANO Nuclear’s broader goal of advancing modular, transportable, and efficient microreactors that can serve a wide range of energy needs, from remote communities to military and space applications.
A Milestone in Nuclear Microreactor Advancement
“This advanced facility will play a major role in our development efforts, providing our technical teams with access to key physical data,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “We plan to announce timely updates throughout the year on certain key research and developmental milestones.”
Yu also emphasized that the new facility will not only accelerate the development of the Company’s microreactors but also facilitate the commercialization of ALIP technology. The Company anticipates that ALIP could have a significant impact on the broader nuclear energy sector, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance requirements for nuclear systems worldwide.
The establishment of this facility follows NANO Nuclear’s recent response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on December 17, 2024. The RFI focused on the potential development and implementation of advanced nuclear energy technologies in New York State. The demonstration facility strengthens NANO Nuclear’s position as a key player in supporting New York’s transition to cost-effective, low-carbon energy alternatives, particularly as the state moves away from heavily polluting fossil fuels and intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar.
The facility is currently in the final stages of retrofitting and is expected to be fully operational by the spring of 2025. Once completed, it will provide an essential platform for refining reactor component designs, ensuring optimal integration of non-nuclear systems, and validating key performance metrics under controlled conditions.
The Strategic Importance of the Demonstration Facility
James Walker, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Reactor Development at NANO Nuclear Energy, described the facility as a “critical step” in the Company’s reactor development efforts.
“Once operational, the facility will provide our technical teams with invaluable opportunities to gather physical data and optimize designs to integrate non-nuclear components effectively,” Walker said. “This is a critical step in accelerating our reactor development and ensuring the seamless integration of all components in the final product.”
By providing a dedicated space for experimental testing, the facility will help bridge the gap between conceptual designs and real-world applications. This will enable engineers to validate performance assumptions, refine component interactions, and troubleshoot any potential challenges before finalizing the design for commercial deployment.
Additionally, the facility will support the ongoing testing of ALIP technology. Given the importance of efficient heat transfer in nuclear reactor systems, ALIP’s ability to manage high-temperature fluids electromagnetically is expected to be a game-changer in the nuclear industry. The technology has the potential to significantly reduce maintenance costs and improve the reliability of nuclear power systems, both for microreactors and larger-scale installations.
Expanding New York’s Role in Advanced Nuclear Development
New York State has been actively exploring advanced nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy strategy. By situating its demonstration facility in Westchester County, NANO Nuclear aligns itself with the state’s ambitions to develop innovative clean energy solutions. The facility is expected to contribute valuable research data that could inform state-level energy policy decisions and infrastructure investments.
In addition to benefiting New York’s energy transition, the facility also positions NANO Nuclear as a key player in the broader U.S. nuclear industry. As global interest in microreactors continues to grow, having a dedicated testing ground will allow NANO Nuclear to remain at the forefront of technological innovation and commercialization.
Key Figures Attending the Facility Launch
The demonstration facility will serve as a hub for leading experts in the field of nuclear energy, drawing upon the expertise of NANO Nuclear’s world-class team. The following key personnel will be involved in the development and operationalization of the facility:
- Jay Yu – Founder and Chairman
- James Walker – Chief Executive Officer & Head of Reactor Development
- Professor Ian Farnan – Lead of Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Radiation, and Materials
- Professor Massimiliano Fratoni – Senior Director & Head of Reactor Design
- Professor Peter Hosemann – Head of Nuclear Reactor Design and Materials
- Carlos O. Maidana, Ph.D., MBA – Head of Thermal Hydraulics and Space Program
- John G. Vonglis – Executive Director of Global Government Affairs
- Michael Norato, Ph.D. – Director of Nuclear Facilities and Infrastructure
- David Tiktinsky – Head of Nuclear Regulatory Licensing
- Eric R. Oesterle – Head of Microreactor Regulatory Licensing
- Oscar Leandro, MBA – VP of International Business
- Ross Mitchell – Nuclear Engineer and Project Manager
- Michael Lim – Manufacturing and Operations Manager
- Josey Anna Widhalm – Office Director & Marketing Manager
Each of these individuals brings a wealth of expertise in nuclear reactor development, regulatory compliance, and international business, ensuring that the demonstration facility operates at the highest standards of excellence.
