Nuclear Reactor 1.6 km Deep: The American Town That Became a Test Site

The American startup Deep Fission is building a small nuclear reactor 1.6 km deep beneath the town of Parsons, Kansas. The reactor is designed to produce 15 megawatts of electricity, enough for about 12,000 households. The project is part of a pilot program by the U.S. Department of Energy, under the Trump administration's policy to expand nuclear power generation. Residents are divided: some see it as an economic opportunity, while others fear a dangerous experiment.

The American startup Deep Fission is building a small nuclear reactor 1.6 km deep beneath the town of Parsons, Kansas. The reactor is designed to produce 15 megawatts of electricity, enough for about 12,000 households. The project is part of a pilot program by the U.S. Department of Energy, as part of the Trump administration's policy to quadruple nuclear power generation by 2050. The company has raised about $150 million, including $40 million in an initial public offering. Residents are divided: some see it as an economic opportunity to attract factories and data centers, while others fear a dangerous experiment without public debate. The technology raises questions about deep maintenance, nuclear waste disposal, and consequences if the company ceases operations.

Nuclear Reactor 1.6 km Deep: The American Town That Became a Test Site