A UK nuclear engineering firm and a sustainable energy developer have made a deal to develop a nuclear microreactor for reliable, low-carbon power in remote locations.

Cambridge Atomworks has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Chiltern Vital Group (CVG). The agreement will establish a prototype research and development facility for its Odin nuclear microreactor at the Berkeley Green Science and Technology Park in Gloucestershire, England.

Odin is a low-pressure, molten-salt-cooled, solid-fuel fission reactor designed for safe and efficient power generation. It features integrated power conversion and heat rejection systems in a compact, standalone unit. It can also supply reliable electricity without external grid connections.

The site is set to play a huge role in validating the reactor’s design by generating data on its physics and thermal hydraulics. This information is crucial for securing regulatory approval for deployment. Cambridge Atomworks aims to have the prototype operational by 2030.

Berkeley’s nuclear future

Built on land that was once part of the Berkeley nuclear power station, the facility is now home to the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park. It was acquired by Chiltern Vital Berkeley (CVB) in 2024.

In addition, it has long been associated with nuclear research and education. The development, if approved, will provide up to 600,000 square feet (5.6 hectares) of space for R&D, laboratories, offices, manufacturing, and education, while creating up to 1,000 jobs.

The Odin nuclear microreactor prototype will support physics testing, thermal hydraulics research, and operator training.
Credit: Cambridge Atomworks

CVB said negotiations with multiple nuclear and energy technology firms looking to establish operations at Berkeley Green are nearing completion. Both CVB and Cambridge Atomworks also plan to turn Berkeley Green into a hub for advanced nuclear and clean energy technologies.

Chris Turner, CVB CEO, stressed the significance of the partnership. “Cambridge Atomworks agreeing to site their prototype research and development facility at Berkeley represents another important step forward for the development of the Berkeley Green Science and Technology Park (BGSTP) by Chiltern Vital Berkeley as a global zero-carbon energy technology, education and training hub within the Severn Edge Nuclear Supercluster,” Turner explained.

Remote power generation

Meanwhile, Cambridge Atomworks described the Odin system as a low-pressure, molten-salt-cooled, solid-fuel fission microreactor. It is developed with air as its ultimate heat sink. It allows it to operate without being located near large water resources.

The company also emphasized that the reactor is walk-away safe and that it relies on natural circulation through both the molten salt content and an auxiliary air cooling system to remove heat during emergency conditions.

It is intended to provide dependable electricity for energy-intensive operations in remote locations. This includes mining sites processing critical minerals, as well as industrial facilities beyond the reach of existing power grids.

Cambridge Atomworks also plans to convert the prototype into a training facility once its physics demonstration campaign is complete. The company believes this would accelerate nuclear commercialization. It would also help meet the growing demand for skilled operators and engineers.

“After our physics demonstration campaign has been completed, our objective is to use the Berkeley-based prototype reactor as a training facility for our global workforce and the UK nuclear workforce,” Ian Farnan, Cambridge Atomworks, concluded in a press statement. “Currently, there is no reactor training facility for this purpose in the UK.”