Deep Fission to Deploy Underground Nuclear Reactors in Kansas
The startup is leveraging deep-borehole drilling to install modular pressurized water reactors a mile beneath the surface.
Nuclear energy startup Deep Fission is developing a deployment model that places small modular reactors deep underground to streamline power generation. The company is currently advancing its first site in Parsons, Kansas, marking a shift toward geological isolation for nuclear infrastructure.
The company's "Gravity Reactor" utilizes established pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology powered by Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel. Rather than building traditional surface-level plants, Deep Fission installs these reactors in boreholes approximately one mile underground. According to company data, this approach allows for a significantly accelerated timeline, with an estimated construction schedule of approximately six months per reactor.
The Shift to Subsurface Power
Founded in 2023 by Liz and Rich Muller, Deep Fission entered the market to address the surging energy requirements of industrial sectors and the AI era. Traditional nuclear construction is often plagued by massive capital costs, regulatory bottlenecks, and lengthy build times. By combining proven PWR technology with deep-borehole drilling, the company aims to bypass these surface-level constraints. The project has already gained federal recognition, with Deep Fission being selected for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program.
Industry Implications
If the model proves viable, it could fundamentally alter the economics of baseload power. The primary appeal lies in the ability to deploy low-carbon energy with a smaller surface footprint and reduced construction windows. This makes the technology particularly attractive for hyperscale data centers and remote military installations that require massive, reliable power sources without the intrusive infrastructure of a conventional nuclear power plant. By moving the reactor a mile underground, the company seeks to enhance safety through physical isolation from the surface.
Next Steps for the Pilot
The Parsons, Kansas site, located within the Great Plains Industrial Park, serves as the critical proof-of-concept for the Gravity Reactor. While the core technology relies on established PWR physics, the operational success of the borehole deployment remains the primary focus. Observers will be watching to see if the six-month construction estimate holds true during the pilot phase and how the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program influences the scaling of the technology across other geological environments.