Radiant, a startup focused on clean energy, is developing portable nuclear microreactors as alternatives to diesel generators. The company has raised over $50 million to date, including a $40 million Series B round in 2023 led by a16z, with participation from Founders Fund, Decisive Point, McKinley Alaska, Draper Associates, Cantos, and BoostVC. Previously, Radiant secured a $10 million Series A round in 2022, led by Fred Wilson at USV.
Radiant’s flagship product, the Kaleidos 1MW microreactor, represents a climate-friendly solution as the world’s first portable, zero-emissions power source capable of operating anywhere. The company aims to conduct testing of its development reactor by 2026, potentially marking the first new commercial reactor design to achieve a fueled test in over 50 years. This microreactor holds promise for supplying power to remote areas and providing critical backup power for hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
The safety of Radiant’s 1MW microreactor is a top priority. It utilizes meltdown-proof TRISO fuel, developed and tested by the Department of Energy and employed in numerous grid-scale reactors since the 1960s. Unlike traditional reactors relying on water for heat transfer, Kaleidos employs helium gas, which minimizes radioactive risks associated with leaks. Designed to fit inside a shipping container, Kaleidos can be swiftly installed without heavy infrastructure and boasts a 20-year lifespan. The reactor core is refueled every 5 years at a Radiant facility, underscoring their efficient and secure waste management approach.
Operated autonomously via a fault-tolerant control system and monitored around the clock by skilled personnel, Radiant’s fleet of microreactors leverages data science to continuously enhance safety and operational intelligence, setting a new standard in nuclear reactor technology.
CHECH OUT THE YOUTUBE VIDEO BY S3 WITH THE FOUNDER OF RADIANT EXPLAING WHY HE STARTED IT.
