Radiant is investing $280 million to build the world’s first factory for mass-produced portable nuclear generators in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, creating 175 jobs and leveraging the historic Manhattan Project site to pioneer next-generation clean energy solutions by 2028.
The landscape of global energy is on the cusp of a significant transformation, and at its heart is a place steeped in nuclear history: Oak Ridge, Tennessee. California-based company Radiant has announced a groundbreaking $280 million investment to establish the world’s first factory for mass-produced portable nuclear generators right here, promising 175 new, high-tech jobs and solidifying Tennessee’s role as a leader in next-generation energy innovation.
A Strategic Move Rooted in History
Radiant’s decision to locate its pioneering facility in Oak Ridge is no coincidence. The community, situated in the Appalachian foothills approximately 25 miles west of Knoxville, boasts a rich and unparalleled nuclear heritage. This is the very ground where the secret Manhattan Project took shape over 80 years ago, a history not lost on Radiant’s leadership. Doug Bernauer, CEO and founder of Radiant, highlighted this connection, stating, “What was formerly the first Manhattan Project site will now be the site of the first portable nuclear generator production.”
The new factory, aptly named “R-50” in recognition of its ambitious mission and the site’s legacy, will occupy portions of the historic K-27 and K-29 Manhattan Project sites, acquired from the Oak Ridge Industrial Development Board. This move symbolically bridges the past and future of nuclear technology.
Beyond its historical ties, Oak Ridge offered several compelling advantages, as explained by Tori Shivanandan, Radiant’s Chief Operating Officer. These include a strong workforce with an exceptional “nuclear IQ” and Tennessee’s business-friendly environment, which provided the regulatory certainty needed to accelerate development and meet growing customer demand for their Kaleidos nuclear generators.
The Dawn of Portable Nuclear Power: Kaleidos Generators
Radiant’s flagship product, the Kaleidos nuclear generator, is poised to revolutionize power generation. This 1-megawatt failsafe nuclear microreactor is designed to be truly portable, capable of delivering resilient power in a diverse range of challenging environments. Imagine military bases needing reliable energy off-grid, remote communities requiring stable power without constant refueling, or disaster-relief efforts benefiting from an immediate, robust energy source – this is where Kaleidos is intended to shine.
Construction of the R-50 factory is projected to begin in early 2026. Radiant aims to roll out its first factory-built nuclear generator by 2028. Within a few years, the company plans to significantly scale up production, reaching a capacity of 50 reactors per year. This aggressive timeline underscores the urgent demand and the potential impact of this technology.
Tennessee’s Growing Nuclear Ecosystem
Radiant’s investment is a testament to Tennessee’s strategic commitment to becoming a leader in clean and reliable energy production. This project marks the second nuclear announcement in September alone, according to Stuart C. McWhorter, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Governor Bill Lee proudly welcomed Radiant, emphasizing the company’s vital role on the global stage, producing “the world’s first nuclear microreactor from right here in Oak Ridge.”
A key enabler for this growth is the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Fund, a strategic initiative proposed by Governor Lee in 2023. Originally authorized with $50 million in the 2023-24 budget, the fund received an additional $10 million in both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions, bringing its total to $70 million. This fund is designed to attract nuclear-related businesses, foster workforce development, and support site development across the state.
Radiant is the sixth company to benefit from this fund, joining other innovative firms that are shaping Tennessee’s nuclear future. These include:
- Type One Energy Group
- Orano USA
- BWXT Enrichment Operations
- Oklo
- Master Machine LLC
Roane County Executive Wade Creswell echoed the enthusiasm for Radiant’s arrival, noting that their mission aligns perfectly with the community’s history and experienced nuclear workforce. He stated that Radiant will be “a key player within the nuclear ecosystem being developed within the Oak Ridge corridor.” This sentiment reflects a concerted effort by local leadership to foster an environment conducive to nuclear energy innovation, a plan that appears to be succeeding remarkably well, as reported by Teknovation.
Looking Ahead: The Long-Term Implications
The implications of Radiant’s factory extend far beyond economic development in Oak Ridge. The mass production of portable nuclear generators could significantly impact global energy security and environmental sustainability. By providing a clean, reliable, and deployable power source, these microreactors offer a compelling alternative in situations where traditional grid infrastructure is impractical, vulnerable, or non-existent.
This initiative solidifies Tennessee’s, and particularly Oak Ridge’s, position at the cutting edge of energy technology. As Radiant moves towards its 2028 production goal, the world will be watching to see how these “Kaleidos” generators fulfill their promise of powering a more resilient and sustainable future. This venture isn’t just about building a factory; it’s about pioneering a new era of energy independence from the very place where the atomic age began, as detailed by The Center Square.
