Radiant Nuclear, a company specializing in portable nuclear microreactors, has successfully raised over $300 million in a new funding round, just six months after securing $165 million in Series C funding. This new investment, led by Draper Associates and Boost VC, aims to accelerate the commercialization of Radiant’s technology, with plans to begin construction on its R-50 factory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, next year. The funding round also saw participation from existing investors such as Founders Fund and Chevron Technology Ventures, underscoring their confidence in Radiant’s market positioning.
CEO Doug Bernauer emphasized that the new funds would enable the company to adhere to its DOME schedule, with plans to achieve a self-sustained chain reaction in collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory. Radiant’s microreactors are designed to provide reliable power for defense, disaster response, and remote industries, with the first reactor expected to be delivered by 2028. The company has already secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force and has agreements for reactor sales with digital infrastructure firms.
Radiant has made significant strides in regulatory approvals, securing its Nuclear Safety Design Agreement and preparing for tests at the INL’s DOME facility. It has also become the first company to sign a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy for HALEU fuel. The upcoming R-50 factory in Tennessee aims to produce up to 50 reactors annually, marking a significant step in mass-producing portable nuclear reactors. Despite facing some setbacks, such as the cancellation of a fuel station project in Wyoming, Radiant continues to advance its reactor assembly and regulatory processes.
