SO · News · 20261015N

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Development

SOUTHERN CO · 2026-10-15 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42 · In source text

The U.S. Department of Energy approved cost-shared funding to accelerate the final stage of Southern Company’s Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). The project involves Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory and CORE POWER and is intended to advance fast-spectrum molten chloride salt reactor technology. MCRE could achieve first criticality as early as 2027, generating data for future reactor designs, fuel cycles, licensing and commercial applications.

Key facts

• The U.S. Department of Energy approved cost-shared funding for an accelerated final stage of the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment (MCRE). source
• MCRE is a collaboration between Southern Company, Idaho National Laboratory and CORE POWER. source
• MCRE is expected to achieve first criticality as early as 2027. source
• The DOE-backed MCRE aims to develop the world's first fast-spectrum molten chloride salt reactor to reach criticality as early as 2027. source
• The DOE funding for Southern's Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment ties the utility more closely to advanced nuclear research. source

Impact estimates