Burying a nuclear power plant 1 mile deep: this ambitious American project

An American company is proposing an innovative solution: a nuclear reactor buried 1 mile (1.6 kilometer) beneath the earth's surface. This project, led by Berkeley-based Deep Fission, integrates existing nuclear technologies with recent advancements in drilling techniques. The aim is to meet the growing demand for reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while maximizing safety.


Deep Fission's concept is based on pressurized water reactor (PWR) technology, which is widely used around the world. However, its originality lies in the location of the reactor, deeply buried in a well with a diameter of 2.6 feet (0.8 meter). This setup allows for the replication of the required pressure conditions without the need for the usual massive surface structures, thus significantly reducing construction and operational costs.

Safety is one of the key strengths of this underground reactor. Positioned at a depth unreachable by natural disasters like tornadoes or tsunamis, as well as human threats such as terrorist attacks, this reactor enjoys unprecedented protection. Moreover, if necessary, the reactor can be brought back to the surface in just a few hours for inspections or maintenance, thanks to a specially designed cable system.

In terms of costs, Deep Fission's reactor also stands out. Unlike traditional reactors that require expensive installations to maintain pressure and ensure safety, this project takes advantage of geology to provide the necessary pressure, thereby eliminating the need for massive surface structures. The result is a significant reduction in energy production costs per kilowatt-hour, making this technology more competitive compared to other energy sources.

This innovative reactor could play a crucial role in the global energy transition. By offering a nuclear solution that is safe, economical, and easy to integrate into the existing energy grid, Deep Fission paves the way for a new era of clean energy production. Although still in the development phase, this project could potentially transform how nuclear energy is perceived and used in the future.