NRC wants input on Hermes 2 test reactor construction permit

According to an April 29 statement from the NRC, it will consider public input when deciding whether the draft finding is appropriate or if the agency should prepare an environmental impact statement for the proposed facility’s construction permit.

Comment info: NRC staff will consider written comments on the draft assessment until May 28, following the publication of a notice in the Federal Register.

Comments can be submitted via email to Kairos-Hermes2Environmental@nrc.gov or through the regulations.gov website (include Docket ID NRC-2023-0138 in the comments).

Comments can also be mailed to Office of Administration, Mail Stop: TWFN-7-A60M, ATTN: Program Management, Announcements and Editing Staff, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, DC 20555-0001.

Reactor info: Kairos filed an application in July 2023, requesting permission to build the facility with two 35-MW thermal test reactors, similar in design to the Hermes 1 test reactor for which the NRC issued a construction permit in 2023. The fluoride salt–cooled, high-temperature reactors would share a power generation system. The NRC noted that the company will have to submit a separate application for operating licenses in the future.