NANO Nuclear Energy to build new $12M factory and R&D site in Illinois

Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. announced October 7 it would build a new manufacturing and research & development site in the Chicago metropolitan area. The $12 million, 23,537-square foot site will research and construct components for Nano’s Kronos-brand micro modular reactors. According to Nano Nuclear, 7,400 square feet of the site will be dedicated to a non-nuclear demonstration area.

In a statement, the company said the plant would create 50 jobs, and its CEO said the factory would be key for the company’s plans to commercialize its lead product: Modular nuclear reactors that can be transported on the road and installed on-site to power data centers, industrial operations and population centers.

The investment is also supported by $6.8 million in incentives from Illinois’ Reimagining Energy and Vehicles program, and the location puts the company’s flagship factory close to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is collaborating with Nano on the development of the company’s microreactors.

What people are saying

“I’m proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to Illinois’ growing clean energy economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our qualified workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives all make Illinois the best state for companies investing in clean energy production. With support from REV Illinois, this critical investment from NANO Nuclear will create new jobs for hardworking Illinoisans and promote innovative strides in clean energy solutions.”

“With Illinois being the birthplace of the controlled nuclear chain reaction, and the state with the largest nuclear electricity production, it is really exciting to see NANO Nuclear being selected to advance and grow nuclear energy and expertise in the state,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, Chief Technology Officer of NANO Nuclear. “With the strong presence of nuclear utilities and R&D institutions in Illinois, this is the ideal ecosystem for us to thrive.”

“We’re proud to support Illinois’ efforts to drive innovation in the U.S. nuclear energy sector and to bring high‑level engineering jobs to the state,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “This new hub will play a central role in our work to construct, demonstrate, and ultimately commercialize our KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We are committed to using this facility to attract top talent from across the country to achieve our goals, and we’re excited to continue growing our story in Illinois.”

“The U. of I. has a long history of advancing nuclear energy innovation and research," said Rashid Bashir, Dean of The Grainger College of Engineering. "NANO Nuclear Energy's investment in a research and development facility in Illinois reinforces our leadership in this critical sector. Working with NANO Nuclear Energy and the state of Illinois, we'll deliver the technological advances and workforce development that will drive the future of nuclear energy.”

“Illinois continues to lead the way in clean energy innovation and advanced manufacturing, and we’re proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to our state’s growing ecosystem,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through programs like REV Illinois, we’re creating the conditions for cutting-edge companies to thrive while bringing high-quality jobs and transformative technologies to communities across Illinois."

Manufacturers investing in Illinois

J.L. Clark invests $10M to expand custom packaging manufacturing facility in Illinois
The company plans to grow its Rockford workforce by 40% over the next year through a mix of salary, hourly, and temporary positions. 

Rivian invests $120M to build electric vehicle supplier park in Illinois
The park will co-locate suppliers producing components for Rivian’s R1, R2, and commercial vehicle models. 

TCCI Manufacturing invests $20M to open Clean Energy Innovation Hub in Illinois
The Hub in Decatur will house EV compressor production, workforce training, and advanced research under one roof. 

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