NRC Gives Kairos Power More Time for Hermes Reactor Build
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
Kairos Power is getting the green light to take more time—until April 2029—to finish building their Hermes test reactor in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission checked the environmental impact and found no big problems, so the project can move forward without delays from safety concerns. This extension helps Kairos keep their plans on track without rushing, benefiting the local community and clean energy progress.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Denial Would Block Completion and Operation
The NRC noted that if it denied the amendment request, the licensee would be unable to complete construction and begin operation of the Hermes test reactor facility. Denial would therefore prevent the project from moving forward under the current construction permit terms.
Construction Completion Date Extended
The NRC amended Kairos Power’s Construction Permit No. CPTR-6 to extend the latest date to finish building the Hermes test reactor from December 31, 2026, to April 30, 2029. The amendment only gives Kairos more time and does not authorize any work beyond what the permit already allows.
NRC Finds No Significant Environmental Impact
The NRC completed an Environmental Assessment and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on April 21, 2026, saying the extension to April 30, 2029 would not cause significant radiological or non-radiological environmental impacts. The NRC stated the extension would not change radioactive effluents, land disturbance, waste, ecology, water, air quality, noise, historic resources, or socioeconomic impacts as previously assessed in NUREG-2263.
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