Hermes 2
Kairos Power's first power-producing KP-FHR demonstration plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, built from factory-fabricated modules and supplying up to 50 MW to the TVA grid.
Development
Startup · United States
Kairos Power
HQ AlamedaFounded 2016
Developer of the fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (KP-FHR) using TRISO pebble fuel; building the Hermes demonstration reactors in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and named an eligible vendor in DIU's ANPI program.
Programs1 program
Programs1
| Program | Role | Program status | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations | Competing bidder | Development | Confirmed |
Systems1
Newest unveiled first. Open a system for its milestone timeline, components and sources.
Capabilities2
| Technology | Role | Maturity | TRL | Notes | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced reactor fuel fabrication | Developer | Development | — | In-house TRISO and pebble fuel lab work for KP-FHR. | Confirmed |
| Small modular reactors | Developer | Development | — | KP-FHR; Hermes 2 (up to 50 MW to the TVA grid) broke ground April 2026 with NRC construction permits. | Confirmed |
- DeveloperIn-house TRISO and pebble fuel lab work for KP-FHR.DevelopmentConfirmed
- DeveloperKP-FHR; Hermes 2 (up to 50 MW to the TVA grid) broke ground April 2026 with NRC construction permits.DevelopmentConfirmed
Maturity and TRL describe this organization's work; the field-wide maturity is on each technology's page.
People1
- Mike Laufer
Co-Founder and CEO
Sources6
Profile2
- 1
Defense Innovation Unit · Apr 10, 2025 · Supports Organization
“Selected companies for the ANPI program include: - Antares Nuclear, Inc - BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC - General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems - Kairos Power, LLC - Oklo Inc. - Radiant Industries Incorporated - Westinghouse Government Services - X-Energy, LLC”
- 2CompanyAbout | Kairos Power
Kairos Power · Supports Organization · hq city
“Our headquarters in Alameda anchors a national footprint”
Systems1
- 3
Kairos Power · Apr 17, 2026 · Supports Organization · founded year, Organization technology, System
“Founded in 2016, the company is unique in applying a rapid iterative development approach and vertical integration strategy”
Technologies2
- 4
Kairos Power · Supports Organization · website, Organization technology
“Our fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor closes the gap between vision and commercial viability.”
- 5Government recordHermes 2 – Kairos Application
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission · Supports Organization technology
“The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued construction permits for the Hermes 2 test reactor facility to Kairos Power LLC on November 21, 2024”
People1
- 6NewsMike Laufer
ceraweek.com · Supports Role
“Mike Laufer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kairos Power, a mission-driven nuclear technology, engineering, and manufacturing company working to enable the world’s transition to clean energy.”
Each fact on this page is attached to the sources that support it. Archived copies are linked when we keep one.