Samsung C&T backs Kairos Power with up to $100M for advanced nuclear push
What's the deal? Kairos PowerDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has signed a binding term sheet for US$64.7M late-stage investment led by Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. The Alameda-based company builds fluoride salt-cooled, high-temperature reactors (KP-FHR), a form of advanced nuclear technology.
The terms: Samsung C&T will provide up to $100 million through a mix of direct investment and in-kind engineering services, subject to regulatory approvals. The money is earmarked for the Hermes 2 Demonstration Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
What's the endgame? Kairos wants to reach commercial-scale deployment of a standardized KP-FHR design. Samsung C&T will also join the company's integrated engineering, procurement, and construction team, focusing first on power-generation systems and balance-of-plant work.
Why now? The deal follows a trilateral memorandum of understanding signed by Samsung C&T, Kairos Power, and Barnard ConstructionDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → on August 18. Both companies cite rising global energy demand as the backdrop for the collaboration.
Kairos plans to lead reactor technology, manufacturing, and construction for the nuclear island, while Samsung C&T supports selected engineering activities. "Samsung C&T's investment and partnership reinforce the disciplined delivery model at the core of our commercialization strategy," said Mike Laufer, chief executive officer and co-founder of Kairos Power.
The company frames the tie-up as a bet on execution. "Deploying advanced nuclear energy at commercial scale requires strong, capable partners across the full project lifecycle," said Ed Blandford, chief technology officer and co-founder.
The signal: At $100 million, this round sits in the top 10% of all-time late-stage venture deals in US energy, a sign of how much capital is now flowing to advanced nuclear as power demand climbs.
Read more: einpresswire.com
Image credit: NRCgov
