University of Illinois Applies to Build Campus Nuclear Reactor
Published Date: 5/26/2026
Notice
Summary
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has applied for a permit to build a new research nuclear reactor on campus. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing the application and inviting the public to request a hearing or get involved by July 27, 2026. If approved, the university can start construction, but some sensitive info requires special access requests by June 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Public right to request hearing
You can ask for a hearing or formally intervene in the University of Illinois construction-permit review. A request for a hearing or petition to intervene must be filed by July 27, 2026 (60 days after the Federal Register notice).
SUNSI access and tight deadlines
If you need access to Sensitive Unclassified Non-Safeguards Information (SUNSI) to prepare a challenge, you must request that access by June 5, 2026. The NRC requires requests for SUNSI access under set procedures, may require signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement or Protective Order, and requires SUNSI-based contentions to be filed within 25 days after receiving access.
Proposed reactor could power campus
The proposed University of Illinois KRONOS high-temperature gas-cooled research reactor would use TRISO particle fuel, helium coolant, and a graphite moderator, and include a molten-salt secondary loop that provides district heat and electrical power conversion capability for campus use. If the construction permit is issued, the university would be authorized to construct that reactor on the U. of I. campus in Champaign, Illinois.
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Key Dates
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