Kansas will get world’s first mile-deep nuclear reactor

Underground Nuclear Reactor Planned for Southeast Kansas

Parsons, Kansas, is set to become the home of a groundbreaking project: a 1-mile-deep nuclear reactor developed by California startup Deep Fission. The initiative has garnered support from county commissioners, both Republican Kansas U.S. senators, and the management of democratic Gov. Laura Kelly.

Deep Fission will break ground on Tuesday at Great Plains Industrial Park,with the ambitious goal of receiving U.S. Department of Energy authorization and having the reactor operational by next fourth of July. The project is part of a presidential pilot program aiming to demonstrate new reactor technologies, with Deep Fission hoping to transition to commercial operations afterward.

According to Deep Fission CEO Liz Muller, the reactor will address a key need at the industrial park. “The industrial park is looking to bring in, to attract industry and possibly data centers or other large uses of electricity,” she explained. “But to attract them, it needs to have a source of electricity.”

Founded in 2023, Deep Fission specializes in advanced nuclear technology, proposing to place small nuclear reactors at the bottom of 30-inch wide, mile-deep boreholes.

The extent of regulatory oversight remains under review.While a traditional nuclear power plant proposal would typically go through the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) for permitting and public hearings, the KCC has stated it needs more facts to determine its jurisdiction over Deep Fission’s project, specifically whether the company will be classified as an electric utility.

Deep Fission’s long-term vision includes expanding the project at the industrial park, potentially installing multiple reactors over the years. The reactors are designed to generate power for two to seven years, with the possibility of ongoing expansion.

Muller emphasized the safety of the design, stating, “All of the radioactivity stays at the bottom of the borehole a mile underground.”

Deep Fission: A New Approach to Nuclear Energy in Kansas

Deep Fission, a California-based company, is proposing a novel approach to nuclear energy generation in Kansas – placing small nuclear reactors deep underground. The company aims to demonstrate this technology by July 4, 2026, and believes it could offer a clean, reliable power source.

How it Works

Deep Fission’s technology utilizes what’s known as a heat-generating radioisotope, – the world’s most common kind of nuclear technology – small enough to fit into the borehole and powerful enough to generate about as much power as 10,000 homes consume, Muller said.

The process involves drilling a borehole and then filling it with water.The reactor at the bottom will transfer heat to the water, which will rise to the surface as steam and turn turbines.This steam will then cool and return to the borehole, creating a closed-loop system where the same water is constantly reused.

The concept draws from established practices in the geothermal and oil & gas industries.Borehole drilling is a standard technique in oil and gas extraction, while geothermal power plants utilize naturally heated water rising from boreholes to generate electricity.

A Deep Fission reactor is expected to operate for two to seven years, depending on its design. Once spent, the reactor could be sealed and left in place, or potentially removed and sent to a future nuclear waste disposal site if one becomes available in the U.S. The company also envisions the possibility of “stacking” reactors within a single borehole, provided the initial borehole is drilled deeper than one mile, ensuring each reactor remains at least a mile underground.This would maximize the use of a single borehole, potentially generating power for decades.”We can keep doing that: seal it off, add another one on top,” she said. “And so if (one reactor) lasts seven years and you do seven of those cycles, that’s 49 years.”

Community Input and Oversight

Deep Fission emphasizes the importance of community input, stating they have already engaged with local, state, and federal government officials, and also various stakeholder groups. While details on these stakeholders and public meeting plans remain limited, the company promises ongoing opportunities for public participation, particularly as they move towards commercialization.

“There’s going to be lots of opportunities to participate, to be heard, to ask questions,” Muller said. “Starting immediately, but continuing on for years to come.”

The extent of oversight from Kansas energy regulators, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), is still being determined. The KCC is in the early stages of communication with Deep Fission and recognizes the potential project. The KCC could regulate the project due to its authority over well drilling, operations, and public utilities, potentially requiring a proposal and public hearings if a public utility were to build a plant using this technology. This would allow for assessment of the plant’s impact on customers and electricity prices.

Kansas company Wants to Put Small Nuclear Reactors Underground to Power Data Centers

Parsons, Kansas – Deep Fission, a kansas-based company, is proposing a novel solution to the growing energy demands of data centers: small, underground nuclear reactors.The company aims to locate these reactors near data centers, providing a carbon-free, reliable power source. However, the plan has raised questions about safety and environmental impact, particularly concerning groundwater protection.

deep Fission’s concept involves building reactors roughly a mile underground, encased in layers of rock. According to company CEO, Katherine Muller, this depth provides a ample natural barrier. “It’s a full mile of rock. Billions of tons of rock,” she stated,asserting the project poses no threat to groundwater. The company plans to utilize secure casing methods, similar to those employed in the oil and gas industry, to further safeguard the borehole.

The proposed location in Parsons, Kansas, is strategically chosen due to its geological suitability and proximity to potential customers. Deep Fission is initially targeting data center companies, recognizing the sector’s escalating power needs, particularly with the boom in artificial intelligence.

The company has already established a partnership with Endeavour, the parent company of Edged waterless data centers, which operate in multiple cities across the US and Europe. Edged data centers are designed to minimize environmental impact by cooling servers without water – a notable concern given the heavy water usage associated with traditional data center cooling systems.

Deep Fission’s federal financial filings suggest this partnership will provide a crucial foothold in the data center power market. The company estimates that capturing even a small percentage of the projected growth in data center demand could be a substantial revenue driver. They’ve already secured letters of intent for generating 12.5 gigawatts of power with data centers, co-developers, industrial parks, and strategic partners.

Despite the company’s assurances, concerns remain regarding the potential environmental consequences. Local officials and environmental groups have expressed a need for thorough assessment. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, responsible for overseeing such projects, has not yet publicly commented on deep Fission’s plans. Similarly, the governor’s office has not responded to inquiries regarding their involvement in checking whether Deep Fission’s plans are safe for groundwater or other environmental implications.

The project is still in its early stages, and its future hinges on regulatory approval and public acceptance. As data centers continue to proliferate, the search for enduring and reliable power sources will intensify, potentially paving the way for innovative solutions like those proposed by Deep Fission – provided safety and environmental concerns are adequately addressed.

Kansas Governor Says ‘One Big lovely Bill’ act Could Cost State $150 Million or More

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to cost Kansas at least $150 million as provisions cutting health care programs go into effect, Gov. Laura Kelly said in an interview with Kansas Reflector.

Share this post or save for later.

Kansas Improves Behavioral Healthcare Access with $72M Federal Grant

Kansas is making strides in improving access to behavioral healthcare, rising from 18th to last in national assessments of mental illness and access to care. This improvement is attributed to investments in quality care, bolstered by a recent $72 million federal grant.The funding will be used to expand services and address critical gaps in the state’s behavioral health system.

Grant Details and Allocation

The $72 million grant, awarded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), will be strategically allocated to enhance various aspects of behavioral healthcare across Kansas. State officials have not yet released a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be distributed, but initial plans focus on expanding the behavioral health workforce, increasing access to crisis services, and improving integration of behavioral health with primary care. https://www.samhsa.gov/

Addressing a critical Need

For years, Kansas has struggled with significant challenges in providing adequate mental health and substance use disorder services. Historically, the state has faced shortages of qualified professionals, limited access to care in rural areas, and long wait times for appointments. These issues have contributed to higher rates of untreated mental illness and substance use disorders, impacting individuals, families, and communities.

According to the Kansas Department of health and Environment (KDHE), the state ranked near the bottom nationally in access to mental health services. The recent improvement in ranking reflects ongoing efforts to address these systemic issues. https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/

Key Areas of Improvement

The grant funding will likely support improvements in the following key areas:

* Workforce Advancement: Investing in training programs and recruitment initiatives to increase the number of psychiatrists,psychologists,social workers,and other behavioral health professionals.
* crisis Services: Expanding access to 988 suicide and crisis lifeline services, mobile crisis teams, and crisis stabilization units.these services provide immediate support to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.https://988lifeline.org/

* Integrated Care: Promoting the integration of behavioral health services into primary care settings, making it easier for individuals to access care for both physical and mental health needs.
* Rural Access: Utilizing telehealth and other innovative approaches to expand access to behavioral healthcare in rural and underserved areas of the state.
* Early Intervention: Increasing access to early intervention services for children and adolescents experiencing mental health challenges.

Impact on Kansans

The increased investment in behavioral healthcare is expected to have a significant positive impact on Kansans.Improved access to care will lead to:

* Reduced Suffering: More individuals will receive the treatment they need to manage mental illness and substance use disorders, reducing suffering and improving quality of life.
* Improved Health Outcomes: Addressing mental health and substance use disorders can lead to improved physical health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
* Stronger Communities: Healthy individuals and families contribute to stronger, more vibrant communities.
* Economic Benefits: Addressing behavioral health challenges can lead to increased productivity and economic stability.

Looking Ahead

The $72 million grant represents a significant step forward in improving behavioral healthcare access in Kansas. However, sustained investment and ongoing collaboration between state agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations will be crucial to ensure long-term success. State officials are committed to building a comprehensive and accessible behavioral health system that meets the needs of all Kansans.

Key Takeaways:

* Kansas has received a $72 million federal grant to improve behavioral healthcare access.
* The state has recently improved its national ranking in access to mental health services.
* Funding will be used to expand the workforce, crisis services, and integrated care.
* Improved access to care is expected to reduce suffering, improve health outcomes, and strengthen communities.