(Liz Muller, Co-Founder and CEO of Deep Fission. Photo by John Hacker w/Joplin Globe)
Deep Fission plans underground nuclear reactor in southeast Kansas
A California-based company has broken ground on what it calls a pioneering underground nuclear reactor project in southeast Kansas, aiming to demonstrate a new approach to advanced nuclear energy production by summer 2026.
Deep Fission confirmed construction began Dec. 9 at the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons, Kansas. The company says the project will serve as a pilot for its proprietary Gravity nuclear reactor, which is designed to operate entirely underground.
The site selection places the project within an industrial park marketed for energy-intensive development, including potential data centers, and located near regional transportation assets such as Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa.
Underground nuclear reactor design targets cost and safety improvements
Deep Fission says its underground nuclear reactor will be built inside a borehole drilled approximately one mile deep. The company claims the design leverages drilling techniques already used in the oil and gas, geothermal, and mining industries.
By placing the reactor deep underground, Deep Fission says surrounding geology provides billions of tons of natural shielding and containment. According to the company, this approach significantly reduces the surface footprint, visual impact, and infrastructure costs typically associated with traditional nuclear plants.
The company expects the reactor to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. Criticality refers to the point at which a nuclear reactor reaches a self-sustaining chain reaction, as defined by the Nuclear Energy Agency.
KOAM TV reported the underground placement could also reduce community concerns related to safety and land use while allowing faster construction timelines than conventional above-ground nuclear facilities.
Partnership with Kansas officials supports pilot development
Deep Fission has signed a letter of intent with the Great Plains Development Authority outlining collaboration on the pilot project and the parties’ intention to pursue a future commercial-scale nuclear facility at the same site if the pilot proves successful.
“This pilot is an exciting first step toward an energy-abundant America,” said Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission. “Our Gravity reactor is designed to deliver safer, faster, and dramatically cheaper energy.”
Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said the project aligns with the state’s strategy to diversify its energy portfolio while supporting emerging technologies.
“Kansas has long been a leader in energy production, and we’re continuing to diversify our portfolio with innovative technologies such as advanced nuclear energy,” Toland said. He added the state will support a transparent community engagement process as the project progresses.
Pilot project could shape future nuclear development
Deep Fission says the Parsons pilot will validate engineering assumptions behind its underground nuclear reactor concept and provide data needed to move toward commercial deployment. The company emphasizes the reactor design draws on proven industrial techniques while applying them to next-generation nuclear energy production.
With construction underway, the project represents one of the most unconventional nuclear demonstrations planned in the central United States, combining deep drilling technology with evolving nuclear energy strategies.
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