PARSONS, Kan. (WIBW) — A groundbreaking ceremony is set for next week on an underground nuclear reactor in southeast Kansas, officials said.
Deep Fission Inc., based in Berkeley, California, announced Thursday that it has selected the Great Plains Industrial Park in Parsons as the site of its advanced reactor pilot project.
Parsons, a city of 9,600 people located in Labette County, is 145 miles southeast of Topeka.
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for next week on an underground nuclear reactor in southeast Kansas, officials said.(Orlin Wagner | AP)
According to a news release, Deep Fission is a “pioneering advanced nuclear energy company placing small modular pressurized water reactors in boreholes one mile underground.”
The groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, marks “a significant milestone in the company’s first demonstration of the Gravity Nuclear Reactor,” the news release said.
Deep Fission is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program, an initiative designed to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies through a streamlined regulatory pathway under the Atomic Energy Act.
Pending DOE authorization, Deep Fission officials say the company “aims to complete construction of its first reactor and achieve criticality by July 4, 2026, at the Kansas location.”
The news release also stated that Deep Fission and the Great Plains Development Authority have signed a letter of intent, outlining their collaboration on the pilot and the parties’ intention to develop a full-scale commercial project at the same site.
“This pilot is an exciting first step toward an energy-abundant America,” said Liz Muller, co-founder and chief executive officer of Deep Fission. “We’re proud to partner with the Great Plains Industrial Park and southeast Kansas to show what’s possible with next-generation nuclear. Our Gravity reactor is designed to deliver safer, faster, and dramatically cheaper energy. We’re grateful to the Administration for the opportunity to move from vision to reality through the program.”
Kansas Lt. Gov. and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in the news release that the Sunflower State “has long been a leader in energy production, and we’re continuing to diversify our portfolio with innovative technologies such as advanced nuclear.”
Toland added, “As Deep Fission prepares to demonstrate its DOE-supported pilot reactor in Parsons, Commerce will support their efforts to integrate a thoughtful and transparent community engagement process that gives local residents clear avenues to ask questions and be part of the conversation.”
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, R-Kan., said in the news release: “This project supports American energy independence and will help lower energy rates for Kansans. Our state’s skilled workforce and capabilities continue to attract new investments, and this project will help bolster Kansas’ energy infrastructure to support even more businesses and innovation.”
Also commenting in the news release was U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan, who said, “Congratulations to the Great Plains Industrial Park on its partnership with Deep Fission as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear energy Pilot Program. As our nation’s demand for reliable, around-the-clock energy continues to grow, advanced nuclear technology will play a critical role in strengthening America’s power grid. Since coming to the Senate, I have strongly supported expanding nuclear energy, and it’s exciting to see cutting-edge innovation and high-quality energy investment come to Kansas.”
Great Plains Development Authority Chairman Robert C. Wood. also provided a comment in the news release, stating: “Great Plains Development Authority is excited to welcome Deep Fission, and we are committed to supporting their work at the Kansas Proving Grounds in the Great Plains Industrial Park. Deep Fission’s pilot demonstrates a new level of energy innovation, showcasing Kansas’s potential to the world. The Board and I look forward to building a long-term relationship with Deep Fission and the positive impacts this collaboration will bring.”
Another comment in the news release stated that Labette County commissioners “are pleased to support the joint venture between Great Plains Industrial Park and Deep Fission as part of the Department of Energy’s Pilot Program. We are committed to backing projects that provide jobs, energy, and economic growth for the citizens of Labette County.”
Mark Watkins, president of Labette Community College, said: “We at Labette Community College are excited for opportunities to expand workforce development programs through new partnerships with companies like Deep Fission in the Great Plains Industrial Park. By collaborating directly with these businesses, we can design initiatives that meet evolving industry demands. Together, we’re building a stronger connection between education, employment, and long-term community growth.”
According to the news release:
• The Great Plains Industrial Park, located on more than 14,000 acres in Labette County, Kansas, is an established site for industrial and energy development. It offers Deep Fission the unique opportunity to scale onsite and potentially grow with the Park for decades to come.
• Deep Fission’s proprietary underground Gravity reactor design leverages methods from the nuclear, oil and gas, and geothermal industries. By placing reactors one mile underground, the surrounding geology provides billions of tons of passive shielding and natural containment – enhancing safety and security while significantly reducing cost, surface footprint, and visual impact. The announcement follows Deep Fission’s recently completed go-public transaction and a growing base of commercial interest, including letters of intent representing approximately 12.5 GW of potential future demand. For more information, visit Deep Fission’s community page: deepfission.com/community.
• Deep Fission is revolutionizing the energy landscape with innovative technology that places a small modular pressurized water reactor in a borehole one mile underground. Founded and led by a team of seasoned scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, the Company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon power at scale. Deep Fission was recently selected for the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program and is targeting criticality by July 2026. Deep Fission was founded in 2023 by father-daughter team Elizabeth and Richard Muller. Learn more at deepfission.com .
• As one of the most strategically positioned industrial development parks in the region, Great Plains Industrial Park offers infrastructure-ready sites, multimodal logistics access, and progressive sustainability initiatives that set it apart from other industrial development zones in the Midwest. Formerly the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant, the Great Plains Industrial Park spans 14,000 acres with a robust utility backbone, direct Class 1 rail access, and a growing reputation for innovation. Businesses locating here gain access to an adaptable environment ideal for mission-critical operations, along with support services and economic development incentives. Learn more about Great Plains Industrial Park by clicking here.
Meanwhile, Evergy officials on Thursday said sites continue to be evaluated as a possible home for the TerraPower nuclear energy site.
Locations that have expressed an interest in the TerraPower site include Lyon County and Coffey County, according to earlier reports.
“Evergy, the Kansas Department of Commerce and TerraPower continue to identify potential sites and to hear from communities that are interested in being home to the TerraPower Natrium site,” said Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig. “Discussions with leaders in those communities are anticipated in the first quarter of 2026.
“This work will contribute to a list of viable sites for study. The results of the site selection process are expected later in 2026.”
A groundbreaking ceremony is set for next week on an underground nuclear reactor in southeast Kansas, officials said.