Kairos Power Launches NuCAMP Collaboration Initiative in Oak Ridge

Kairos Power announced on August 18 that it has launched the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing and Prefabrication Center (NuCAMP) collaboration initiative in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA, focusing on advancing advanced reactor manufacturing, construction method validation, and local nuclear technology workforce development.

Under the signed memorandum of understanding, Kairos Power will advance the initiative jointly with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), Barnard Construction Company, Roane State Community College, Chattanooga State Community College, and Oak Ridge Schools.

Kairos Power also stated that it is exploring the possibility of international partners, including Samsung C&T Engineering & Construction Group and Cambridge Vacuum Engineering, participating in NuCAMP to provide strategic consulting for advanced manufacturing and engineering construction.

The NuCAMP initiative will begin with a 12-month exploration phase. Participants will assess how to collaborate on advanced nuclear manufacturing and construction methods, and study the development of career pathways for engineers and skilled tradespeople so that relevant technologies can serve advanced reactor deployment.

Under the plan, Kairos Power, Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), the University of Tennessee's Tickle College of Engineering, and IACMI will provide research, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities to advance relevant technology development and study the codes and standards issues involved in their application to nuclear construction.

NuCAMP's key research areas include prefabricated concrete construction for safety-related nuclear structures, the application of large-scale additive manufacturing in producing custom molds for prefabricated concrete components, the application of wire arc additive manufacturing in fabricating vessel segments, nozzles, pump components, and other large components, as well as electron beam welding technology for joining large metal parts while reducing distortion.

In addition to engineering technology R&D, NuCAMP will also explore new nuclear workforce development models. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville will assess the feasibility of establishing two master's programs, focusing respectively on manufacturing engineering for factory-based nuclear production and prefabricated concrete structures. Chattanooga State Community College and Roane State Community College will evaluate adding training programs for nuclear-grade pipe welders, prefabrication production technicians, and skid-mounted equipment manufacturing technicians. Oak Ridge Schools will study expanding advanced manufacturing and trades courses for middle and high school students.

Kairos Power's Advanced Reactor Demonstration Campus in Oak Ridge will host NuCAMP-related activities and provide space for manufacturing process development, workforce training, and collaboration with surrounding research and educational institutions. The campus is planned to include functional areas for prefabrication production, equipment assembly, welding, and additive manufacturing.

Founded in 2016, Kairos Power is primarily advancing the commercialization of KP-FHR fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor technology. In 2023, the company obtained the first construction permit for a non-water-cooled reactor in the United States in more than 50 years. In April 2026, Kairos Power began construction of the Hermes 2 demonstration plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Under its multi-plant development agreement with Google, the project will deliver 50 megawatts of clean power through the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grid once completed.