New York Facility Marks Key Step in Next-Gen Nuclear Development

Source: Streetwise Reports 02/12/2025

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NNE:NASDAQ) advances the development of its next-generation microreactors at its new demonstration facility in New York. The company is set to unveil key research milestones here’s what to expect.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NNE:NASDAQ) has established a specialized demonstration facility in Westchester County, New York, to test and validate key non-nuclear components of its microreactor designs. The facility will support the development of four microreactor models — ZEUS, ODIN, LOKI MMR, and KRONOS MMR — which are designed to offer portable and scalable clean energy solutions.

A key focus of the facility will be the company’s work on the Annular Linear Induction Pump (ALIP) technology, developed as part of a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III project. ALIP is an electromagnetic pump designed for high-efficiency thermal fluid management, a critical factor in nuclear energy applications. “This advanced facility will play a major role in our development efforts, providing our technical teams with access to key physical data,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy, in the news release.

To support the construction and development of the facility, NANO Nuclear has partnered with aRobotics Company, an innovator in robotics fabrication and engineering. aRobotics will oversee the multimillion-dollar build-out of the facility and manage the fabrication of essential non-nuclear components for NANO Nuclear’s reactors, including custom sensors and equipment to support ALIP technology. Their extensive experience with the U.S. Department of Defense is expected to enhance safety and performance standards as NANO Nuclear advances its reactor development.

The facility comes at a time when New York State is exploring advanced nuclear energy solutions. NANO Nuclear recently responded to a Request for Information (RFI) from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) regarding the potential for new nuclear technology development in the state. The company expects the facility to be operational by the spring of 2025.

James Walker, CEO and Head of Reactor Development at NANO Nuclear emphasized the facility’s role in refining the integration of microreactor components, stating, “Once operational, the facility will provide our technical teams with invaluable opportunities to gather physical data and optimize designs to integrate non-nuclear components effectively.”

Nuclear Energy Surge: Rising Demand and Supply Challenges Shape the Sector

The nuclear energy sector has experienced a surge in interest as governments and corporations increasingly turn to nuclear power to meet growing energy demands. According to a January 5 report from Financial Review, uranium prices ended 2024 at approximately US$70 per pound, climbing to over US$76 per pound in early 2025. This rise followed more than a decade of underinvestment in uranium production, as well as increasing demand from technology companies seeking reliable, low-carbon energy sources. The report noted that companies such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft had entered long-term agreements to secure nuclear-generated electricity, a trend that was expected to sustain the sector’s momentum.

Global policymakers have also played a role in the nuclear resurgence. Financial Review further reported that at COP28, 28 nations pledged to triple nuclear capacity by 2050, a commitment reinforced at COP29. Many countries extended the operational lifespans of existing nuclear plants while China and India continued to add new reactors. The report emphasized that “governments worldwide are recognizing the vital role nuclear power plays in decarbonizing to reach climate goals.”

By January 23, a report from Goehring and Rozencwajg highlighted the rapid expansion of nuclear projects in North America, including Microsoft’s agreement with Constellation Energy to reopen the Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor. Holtec International also secured a US$1.5 billion loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy to revive the Palisades Nuclear Plant, with plans to install small modular reactors (SMRs) on-site. Google entered a partnership with Kairos Power to procure up to 500 megawatts of nuclear power for its data centers. The report described these developments as part of a broader trend toward nuclear energy adoption, stating, “A worldwide nuclear boom is underway.”

Despite this momentum, the uranium market saw significant volatility by the end of January. On January 27, Excelsior Prosperity reported that uranium stocks faced a sharp sell-off, with the Sprott Uranium Miners ETF declining by 10.3% and Cameco Corp falling by 15.1%. This followed an announcement from Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, that it had resumed production at its Inkai mine and increased its 2025 production guidance. While this added supply exerted downward pressure on uranium prices, the report suggested broader market forces also contributed to the decline.

In particular, a sudden downturn in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks triggered concerns over future electricity demand. The report noted that NVIDIA stock fell nearly 17% after news of a competing AI model from China’s DeepSeek, which offered similar capabilities at a fraction of the cost. This development led to declines across data center and energy-related stocks, including companies involved in SMR development. “With SMRs, utilities, and nuclear reactor builders all getting hit, this bled over into uranium ETFs, creating a ‘selling begets more selling’ situation,” Excelsior Prosperity wrote.

Small Nuclear Reactors Gain Traction

Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advancing rapidly as demand for clean, scalable energy grows. According to OilPrice.com, on January 28, SMRs offer a flexible, lower-cost alternative to conventional nuclear plants, with the market projected to grow from US$6 billion in 2024 to US$7.14 billion by 2030. Their modular design allows for factory assembly and deployment in locations unsuitable for traditional reactors.

Tech giants like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have invested in SMRs to power energy-intensive data centers, anticipating deployment by the 2030s. Government backing is also strong — Rolls-Royce leads the U.K.’s SMR efforts, while U.S.-based TerraPower is developing sodium-cooled reactors. Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ Thorizon is advancing molten salt reactors, supported by European funding.

A key challenge has been securing high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU), essential for many SMRs. Until 2024, Russia was the sole commercial producer, but the U.S. launched domestic HALEU production in November, expected to accelerate SMR adoption. With increasing investment and policy support, SMRs are positioned to expand nuclear power’s reach and reliability worldwide.

Analysts See Strong Upside Potential for Microreactor Innovator

According to a January 17 report by Nathan Reiff for MarketBeat, NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has emerged as a notable contender in the nuclear energy sector, particularly within the rapidly evolving microreactor space. Reiff highlighted that “NANO’s developments in the microreactor space may warrant a closer look for investors with a higher risk tolerance,” emphasizing the company’s potential in a niche poised for growth due to increasing energy demands from sectors like artificial intelligence and clean energy.

The report noted that NANO Nuclear Energy had recently strengthened its position through the acquisition of assets related to the modular nuclear reactor business of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., a move seen as strategic for expanding its technological capabilities. Despite being a pre-revenue firm, analysts expressed optimism about NANO’s future prospects.

The company received a consensus Buy rating from two analysts, with a price target of US$58.00, representing nearly 148% upside from its trading price as of January 16.

Advancing Microreactor Commercialization: NANO Nuclear Expands Development Efforts

The establishment of this facility represents a significant step in NANO Nuclear Energy’s broader commercialization strategy. The company’s investor materials highlight its goal of advancing next-generation microreactors to address energy demand from data centers, defense applications, and remote industrial operations. The demonstration facility is expected to accelerate the transition from research to commercialization by testing critical non-nuclear components before full-scale deployment.

NANO Nuclear’s suite of microreactors is designed to be portable and scalable. Models such as ZEUS™ and ODIN™ target on-demand power needs, while KRONOS MMR™ is intended for larger-scale stationary applications. Additionally, the LOKI MMR™ is being developed for potential extraterrestrial applications, including space-based energy solutions.

The company is also working to secure its supply chain through investments in nuclear fuel production and transportation. It has exclusive licensing rights to a high-capacity HALEU (High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium) fuel transport basket, developed in collaboration with U.S. national laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy.

The company plans to provide further updates throughout 2025 as it advances its research and development milestones.

LIS Technologies Advances U.S. Uranium Enrichment With DOE-Backed Laser Technology

LIS Technologies has positioned itself in the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain with its Condensation Repression Isotope Selective Laser Activation (CRISLA) technology. This advanced laser-based uranium enrichment process has secured the company a key contract under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) US$3.4 billion nuclear fuel acquisition program. With the Prohibiting Russian Uranium Imports Act banning fuel imports from Russia in 2024, LIS Technologies is part of a broader effort to rebuild domestic nuclear fuel capabilities.

According to Christo Liebenberg, co-founder and CEO of LIS Technologies, in a January 27 International Business Times article, the company’s role is central to what he described as “the middle of a second nuclear age” and “a resurrection of the nuclear industry.” Historically, the U.S. relied on imported nuclear fuel after Russia undercut domestic production in the 1990s. With the recent shift in policy, LIS Technologies, supported by NANO Nuclear Energy, has taken on the task of establishing a stable, domestic supply of low-enriched uranium (LEU) and high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU).

CRISLA technology enables uranium enrichment by isolating U-235, the isotope necessary for nuclear power generation. In its natural state, uranium contains only 0.7% U-235, requiring enrichment for use in nuclear reactors. Traditional reactors have long relied on LEU, which is enriched to about 5% U-235. However, next-generation reactors and microreactors increasingly require HALEU, which has concentrations of up to 20% U-235.

Jay Yu, Executive Chairman and President of LIS Technologies, confirmed that the company would produce both fuel types, stating, “We’ll do LEU, and then we’ll go to HALEU. We’re not looking to go beyond 20%; that’s not part of our game plan. We’re doing this for peaceful use.”

The company’s leadership includes figures with decades of expertise in uranium enrichment and laser technology. LIS Technologies co-founder Jeff Eerkens, the inventor of CRISLA and a pioneer in uranium enrichment, is recognized as a leading figure in the field. Liebenberg brings over 30 years of experience in laser enrichment, providing the technical and managerial oversight to scale production.

Industry Impact and National Security

The development of a domestic uranium enrichment capability comes at a critical time for the nuclear energy sector. In addition to securing the fuel supply for reactors within the U.S., the move away from imported uranium aligns with broader national security goals. “We can’t depend on Russia or China for our imports because that’s a security issue,” Liebenberg stated in the International Business Times. The reliance on foreign suppliers had long been a concern among lawmakers, who feared economic leverage could be used as a geopolitical tool.

The potential benefits extend beyond security. A steady and scalable HALEU supply is expected to support a new generation of advanced reactors and microreactors, preventing supply chain bottlenecks that could delay deployment. As Liebenberg explained, “We also want to produce new energy that’s clean so we can combat global warming and prevent the earth’s temperature from further increasing.” With nuclear energy providing a stable and carbon-free power source, LIS Technologies’ work is expected to contribute to long-term climate objectives while reinforcing energy independence. [OWNERSHIP_CHART-11107]

Backed by proven technology and a leadership team with deep industry expertise, LIS Technologies is now in the process of scaling CRISLA enrichment to meet growing demand. As the company progresses, its ability to provide a reliable and cost-effective fuel supply will play a significant role in shaping the future of U.S. nuclear energy.

Ownership and Share Structure

According to Refinitv, 27.19% of Nano Nuclear is held by one strategic investor, I Financial Ventures Group LLC. 8.06% is management and insiders, with Mongkol Prakitchaiwattana owning 5.44%.

Institutions hold 6.9%. Of those, Citizen Financial Group holds the most, with 1.98%, followed by Van Eck Associates Corporation at 1.24%.

Notably, NNE was recently added to the VanEck Nuclear ETF, signaling increased institutional confidence and positioning the company within a portfolio of key players in the nuclear energy sector.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has a market capitalization of approximately US$1.4 billion, with 36.6 million shares outstanding.

Sign up for our FREE newsletter at: www.streetwisereports.com/get-news

Important Disclosures:

1. As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of LIS Technolgoies Inc.
2. ames Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
3. This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports’ terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.

For additional disclosures, please click here.

( Companies Mentioned: NNE:NASDAQ, )

Source: https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2025/02/12/new-york-facility-marks-key-step-in-next-gen-nuclear-development.html