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Home Nuclear Reactors New Reactors Advanced Reactors Who We're Working With Pre-Application Activities

Deep Fission

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Who:   Deep Fission, Inc.
 
What:   Pre-Application activities associated with a future combined license application.
 
When:   May 2024 to Present
 
Website:   https://deepfission.com/

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Project Overview

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is currently engaged in pre-application activities with Deep Fission, Inc, regarding a combined license application for the Deep Fission Borehole Reactor 1 (DFBR-1). The Deep Fission Borehole Reactor 1 (DFBR-1), with a minimum diameter of approximately 30 inches, will be emplaced and operate at a depth of approximately 1 mile. This design takes advantage of the hydrostatic pressure, provided by depth, equaling approximately 160 atm. Each reactor produces 45 megawatts thermal (45 MWt) of steam which, when, upon reaching the surface, is used to generate up to 15 megawatts of electric power (15 MWe).

Additional information on pre-application activities can be obtained from ADAMS using a search by docket number 99902126.

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Regulatory Engagement Plan

On March 22, 2024, Deep Fission, Inc. submitted a non-proprietary regulatory engagement plan (REP). The table below will give members of the public an opportunity to stay informed on Deep Fission’s latest licensing plans. On Jan 17, 2025, the applicant submitted Revision 1 of the REP.

Title Date Submitted
Deep Fission, Inc. RIS and REP March 22, 2024
Deep: Fission, Inc., "Regulatory Engagement Plan, Revision 1" January 17, 2025

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White Papers

The below table provides the white papers that Deep Fission has submitted for the NRC staff to review. This table will be updated to include all white papers submitted along with the feedback letter.

Title Reference Status/Report
Deep Fission, Inc., Submittal of White Paper, "Conceptual Design Review of the Deep Borehole Pressurized Water Reactor (DB-PWR)" Package Review Complete

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Contacts

Contacts for the Deep Fission Pre-Application Review
Lead Project Manager Thomas Hayden
301-415-2956
Public Affairs Officer Scott Burnell
301-415-8204

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, April 18, 2025