12/04/2025
Nuclear company Deep Fission announces site for Department of Energy pilot at Great Plains Industrial Park
From Deep Fission
BERKELEY, Calif. — Deep Fission Inc., a pioneering, advanced nuclear energy company placing small modular pressurized water reactors in boreholes one mile underground, announced today that it has selected the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas, as the site of its advanced reactor pilot project.
Deep Fission will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 9, marking a significant milestone in the company’s first demonstration of the Gravity Nuclear Reactor.
Deep Fission is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program, an initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies through a streamlined regulatory pathway under the Atomic Energy Act.
Pending DOE authorization, the company aims to complete construction of its first reactor and achieve criticality by July 4, 2026, at the Kansas location. Deep Fission and the Great Plains Development Authority have signed a letter of intent, outlining their collaboration on the pilot and the parties’ intention to develop a full-scale commercial project at the same site.
“This pilot is an exciting first step toward an energy-abundant America,” said Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission. “We’re proud to partner with the Great Plains Industrial Park and southeast Kansas to show what’s possible with next-generation nuclear. Our Gravity reactor is designed to deliver safer, faster, and dramatically cheaper energy. We’re grateful to the administration for the opportunity to move from vision to reality through the program.”
“Kansas has long been a leader in energy production, and we’re continuing to diversify our portfolio with innovative technologies such as advanced nuclear,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “As Deep Fission prepares to demonstrate its DOE-supported pilot reactor in Parsons, Commerce will support their efforts to integrate a thoughtful and transparent community engagement process that gives local residents clear avenues to ask questions and be part of the conversation.”
“This project supports American energy independence and will help lower energy rates for Kansans,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “Our state’s skilled workforce and capabilities continue to attract new investments, and this project will help bolster Kansas’ energy infrastructure to support even more businesses and innovation.”
“Congratulations to the Great Plains Industrial Park on its partnership with Deep Fission as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear energy Pilot Program,” said U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. “As our nation’s demand for reliable, around-the-clock energy continues to grow, advanced nuclear technology will play a critical role in strengthening America’s power grid. Since coming to the Senate, I have strongly supported expanding nuclear energy, and it’s exciting to see cutting-edge innovation and high-quality energy investment come to Kansas.”
“Great Plains Development Authority is excited to welcome Deep Fission, and we are committed to supporting their work at the Kansas Proving Grounds in the Great Plains Industrial Park,” said Great Plains Development Authority Chairman Robert C. Wood. “Deep Fission’s pilot demonstrates a new level of energy innovation, showcasing Kansas’s potential to the world. The Board and I look forward to building a long-term relationship with Deep Fission and the positive impacts this collaboration will bring.”
“The Labette County Commissioners are pleased to support the joint venture between Great Plains Industrial Park and Deep Fission as part of the Department of Energy’s Pilot Program. We are committed to backing projects that provide jobs, energy, and economic growth for the citizens of Labette County.”
“We at Labette Community College are excited for opportunities to expand workforce development programs through new partnerships with companies like Deep Fission in the Great Plains Industrial Park,” said Dr. Mark Watkins, president of Labette Community College. “By collaborating directly with these businesses, we can design initiatives that meet evolving industry demands. Together, we’re building a stronger connection between education, employment, and long-term community growth.”
The Great Plains Industrial Park, located on more than 14,000 acres in Labette County, Kansas, is an established site for industrial and energy development. It offers Deep Fission the unique opportunity to scale onsite and potentially grow with the park for decades to come.
Deep Fission’s proprietary underground Gravity reactor design leverages methods from the nuclear, oil and gas, and geothermal industries. By placing reactors one mile underground, the surrounding geology provides billions of tons of passive shielding and natural containment – enhancing safety and security while significantly reducing cost, surface footprint, and visual impact.
The announcement follows Deep Fission’s recently completed go-public transaction and a growing base of commercial interest, including letters of intent representing approximately 12.5 gigawatts of potential future demand. For more information, visit Deep Fission’s community page: deepfission.com/community.
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