News
July 16, 2025

AECOM Joins Illinois Microreactor Project

Caroline Raffetto

AECOM Joins Illinois Microreactor Project for Early Planning and Environmental Work

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has taken a major step forward in its plans to build a small nuclear reactor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), announcing it has brought on global engineering and infrastructure giant AECOM to lead early site planning and environmental work.

The planned KRONOS MMR™ — a modular microreactor — is designed to deliver clean, reliable power for remote or specialized sites, and would make UIUC one of the first U.S. university campuses to host a licensed microreactor if fully approved.

Initial phases will focus on site studies, technical assessments, and preparation for the crucial construction permit application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“This milestone marks a pivotal step in our development roadmap,” said James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear. “We’re not just talking about future energy — we’re actively building it.”

The compact KRONOS reactor is one of several modular designs in development by NANO Nuclear, which aims to expand nuclear power’s role as a flexible, low-emission energy solution for research, industry, and remote communities.

Barry Baker of AECOM noted the company’s global experience with complex energy and infrastructure projects will support the project’s next phase. “This project supports a cleaner, more diverse energy future,” Baker said.

Company founder and executive chairman Jay Yu called the UIUC project an important milestone that signals real-world progress for microreactor deployment. “This is a signal to the market that we are building, not just planning,” said Yu.

Founded to accelerate the next generation of nuclear technology, NANO Nuclear is also exploring space-based power systems, innovative fuel transportation, and related ventures through its growing portfolio of subsidiaries. Earlier this year, it became the first publicly listed U.S. microreactor developer.

A timeline for construction has not yet been finalized, but securing a federal construction permit will be a key next step for the university project, which leaders hope will become a national demonstration site for advanced small-scale nuclear power.

The KRONOS MMR™ is part of a wider push by NANO Nuclear to make microreactors more viable and adaptable for real-world use. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, microreactors are designed to be compact, transportable, and capable of serving isolated grids, research campuses, or critical infrastructure where resilient, zero-carbon energy is needed.

By choosing the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a host site, the company hopes to combine academic research, workforce development, and real-time demonstration in one place — giving students and faculty hands-on access to next-generation nuclear technology.

The early site work led by AECOM will include detailed environmental studies to evaluate potential impacts and ensure regulatory compliance under the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s strict safety standards.

Local community engagement will also be a focus as planning continues, with the university expected to share updates and opportunities for public input as designs advance.

If approved and built, the KRONOS MMR™ at UIUC could help set a blueprint for deploying similar microreactors at other universities, government labs, and remote facilities in the U.S. and abroad — diversifying the clean energy mix as demand for carbon-free power grows.

NANO Nuclear’s leadership says the project reflects a changing nuclear industry that aims to be more agile and modular. “We want to show that microreactors can be safe, practical, and valuable additions to America’s clean energy toolkit,” said Walker.

Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.

News
July 16, 2025

AECOM Joins Illinois Microreactor Project

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
Illinois

AECOM Joins Illinois Microreactor Project for Early Planning and Environmental Work

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. has taken a major step forward in its plans to build a small nuclear reactor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), announcing it has brought on global engineering and infrastructure giant AECOM to lead early site planning and environmental work.

The planned KRONOS MMR™ — a modular microreactor — is designed to deliver clean, reliable power for remote or specialized sites, and would make UIUC one of the first U.S. university campuses to host a licensed microreactor if fully approved.

Initial phases will focus on site studies, technical assessments, and preparation for the crucial construction permit application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

“This milestone marks a pivotal step in our development roadmap,” said James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear. “We’re not just talking about future energy — we’re actively building it.”

The compact KRONOS reactor is one of several modular designs in development by NANO Nuclear, which aims to expand nuclear power’s role as a flexible, low-emission energy solution for research, industry, and remote communities.

Barry Baker of AECOM noted the company’s global experience with complex energy and infrastructure projects will support the project’s next phase. “This project supports a cleaner, more diverse energy future,” Baker said.

Company founder and executive chairman Jay Yu called the UIUC project an important milestone that signals real-world progress for microreactor deployment. “This is a signal to the market that we are building, not just planning,” said Yu.

Founded to accelerate the next generation of nuclear technology, NANO Nuclear is also exploring space-based power systems, innovative fuel transportation, and related ventures through its growing portfolio of subsidiaries. Earlier this year, it became the first publicly listed U.S. microreactor developer.

A timeline for construction has not yet been finalized, but securing a federal construction permit will be a key next step for the university project, which leaders hope will become a national demonstration site for advanced small-scale nuclear power.

The KRONOS MMR™ is part of a wider push by NANO Nuclear to make microreactors more viable and adaptable for real-world use. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, microreactors are designed to be compact, transportable, and capable of serving isolated grids, research campuses, or critical infrastructure where resilient, zero-carbon energy is needed.

By choosing the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a host site, the company hopes to combine academic research, workforce development, and real-time demonstration in one place — giving students and faculty hands-on access to next-generation nuclear technology.

The early site work led by AECOM will include detailed environmental studies to evaluate potential impacts and ensure regulatory compliance under the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s strict safety standards.

Local community engagement will also be a focus as planning continues, with the university expected to share updates and opportunities for public input as designs advance.

If approved and built, the KRONOS MMR™ at UIUC could help set a blueprint for deploying similar microreactors at other universities, government labs, and remote facilities in the U.S. and abroad — diversifying the clean energy mix as demand for carbon-free power grows.

NANO Nuclear’s leadership says the project reflects a changing nuclear industry that aims to be more agile and modular. “We want to show that microreactors can be safe, practical, and valuable additions to America’s clean energy toolkit,” said Walker.

Originally reported by Chicago Construction News.