Item 1. Business
ITEM
1. Business
Overview
We
are an emerging, pre-revenue nuclear energy company, developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions,
utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property, and research methods, to contribute towards a sustainable future. Led by
a world class scientific and management team, our business plan involves a comprehensive engagement across every sector of the nuclear
power industry, traversing the path from sourcing raw materials through to developing cutting edge advanced nuclear microreactors. Our
dedication extends further, encompassing both commercial nuclear fuel transportation and consulting services.
Currently,
we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy:
●
Micro Nuclear Reactor Business.
We are developing the next generation of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS , a solid core battery reactor,
and ODIN , a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of the next generation
of portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Through the collaboration of our world-renowned nuclear scientists
and engineers, the U.S. national nuclear laboratories, and government support, we believe our reactors will have the potential to impact the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by 2030-2031.
Both our ZEUS
and ODIN microreactors have moved from the design stages
to physical test work stages, with initial rig construction currently underway, to ensure model accuracy and material and dimension
optimization. We have conducted and completed external design audits on both the ZEUS and ODIN reactor
designs to provide external validation and assistance to our designs. The design audits for the reactors were conducted and completed
by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are currently identifying sites for our prototype reactor for the purpose of conducting
physical test work using nuclear material for both microreactors. We have communicated with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC) and Department of Energy (DOE), informing them of the status of our microreactor designs and the estimated internal timelines
for our microreactor developments, with an understanding that definite timelines will be provided once available, to allow the NRC
to arrange the necessary personnel to oversee the microreactor licensing process. We increased the size of the technical teams during
2024 to expedite the development of the reactor systems, as well as recruiting former NRC personnel to oversee our regulatory licensing
processes, and to engage directly with the NRC to facilitate the commercialization planning.
In addition, in August 2024,
we purchased a 1 4,000 sq. ft., 2-story building in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for $1.7 million to
house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters. Michael Norato, Ph.D., an INL and DOE veteran, was appointed as our Director of Nuclear
Facilities and Infrastructure in December 2024. Dr. Norato will oversee the construction, development and licensing of our key facilities,
including our recently acquired 14,000 sq. ft. Oak Ridge, Tennessee Nuclear Technology Headquarters and future test bed reactor sites
for experiments related to our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors currently in development. He will also lead
the establishment of deconversion and fuel processing facilities, helping to further our goal of being a vertically integrated leader
in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle. We expect to increase the number of personnel working at the facility over the next year and expect
to ultimately employ up to 30 personnel at the facility. We are also currently undertaking approximately $800 thousand dollars of renovation
work to the facility as well.
Furthermore, in December 2024, we announced
our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting forth a framework for the collaboration
between our company and the DOE to evaluate the construction of a demonstration reactor on a land package near INL. Through this memorandum,
we will work with the DOE and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the current operator of INL (“BEA”), to progress the development,
siting, and eventual testing of our innovative microreactor designs.
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Also, on December 18, 2024, we entered into
an asset purchase agreement (“USNC Agreement”) with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively,
“USNC”) to acquire select nuclear energy technology assets on an as-is, where-is basis, including USNC’s micro modular
nuclear reactor business marketed as a MMR® Energy System , and transportable fission power system technology business
marketed as a Pylon Transportable Reactor Platform, including certain contracts, intellectual property rights, demonstration projects
and the equity interests of two non-U.S. entities (collectively, “USNC Assets”), for a total purchase price of $8.5 million
in cash through an auction process (“Auction”) conducted pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in connection
with USNC’s pending Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The closing of the acquisition is expected to occur in the near future
and remains subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions in a bankruptcy proceeding. On December 18, 2024, the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the Bankruptcy Court overseeing USNC’s bankruptcy held a hearing where it approved
the sale of the USNC Assets to us. In the Auction, we submitted a bid for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of USNC,
including their fuel business and their technology assets marketed as EmberCore and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) (such assets other
than the USNC Assets, the “Other USNC Assets”), and was selected as the back-up bidder for the Other USNC Assets in the
Auction. In the event that the winning bidder of the Other USNC Assets in the Auction fails to consummate such acquisition, we will
be required to acquire all such Other USNC Assets in addition to the USNC Assets for a total purchase price, inclusive of the $8.5
million for the USNC Assets, of $36,190,000.
The newly acquired technologies align closely
with our intended uses for ZEUS and ODIN , which are designed for remote, industrial, infrastructural, maritime,
and extra-terrestrial applications, including large-scale data and artificial intelligence centers and other energy-intensive operations,
positioning us to capitalize on growing financial investment and societal momentum driving advanced nuclear energy technologies on
a global scale. We will leverage our world-class technical team to analyze and optimize these technologies, key components, and intellectual
property, before integrating them into its operational frameworks and ongoing innovation efforts. We also intend to build upon and
strengthen the extensive industry relationships that USNC established during its operations. This includes collaboration with the U.K. government on the MMR reactor under a cost-share
program and ensuring continuity in licensing,
regulatory, and grant-related efforts wherever feasible. The acquired technology will also enable us to refine and better tailor our
offerings within previously announced collaborations and partnerships, including ongoing initiatives.
●
Fuel Processing Business.
Through our subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., and in coordination with the DOE, we are seeking to develop a domestic LEU and HALEU
fuel supply chain to supply fuel not only for our own reactors but also to the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. We have
tentatively identified the site we intend to construct the facilities and have begun to build the team to design and develop these
facilities.
We have also made a $2 million strategic investment in and entered into
a collaboration with a laser-based uranium enrichment technology company, LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST”) (which is a related
party), to support the development of their technology. Through this investment and related collaboration, we aim to assist in advancing
LIST’s technologies to secure a reliable low enriched uranium fuel supply for our future operations and the broader nuclear energy
industry. The parties intend that LIST will provide us with enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at no cost to be fabricated and sold to
customers, with LIST to receive compensation as part of a profit-sharing arrangement to be agreed to between the companies in the future.
Through collaboration with LIST, we intend to construct the supporting facilities alongside LIST’s enrichment facility, including
the deconversion and fuel fabrication facilities. We also leased 7,000 square feet of space at our Nuclear Technology Center in Oak Ridge,
Tennessee to LIST. Our relationship with LIST is considered a related party transaction since certain of our executive directors and officers,
including Jay Jiang Yu, Jaisun Garcha, and Dr. Tsun Yee Law , also serve as directors and
officers for LIST, and James Walker serves as a consultant to LIST. Our investment in LIST was unanimously approved by all of our disinterested
independent directors.
In
December 2024, we announced that LIST and our company were selected by the DOE to participate as one of six contract awardees in the
DOE’s Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program (“LEU Acquisition Program”). Under the contract
awarded to LIST, LIST was selected as the prime contractor, with our company as the key subcontractor bringing our technical and
regulatory expertise in advanced nuclear solutions to the collaboration. LIST will oversee the development of the primary uranium
enrichment processes using its novel laser technology, while our company will contribute towards development in the areas of fuel
deconversion, fuel fabrication, and fuel transportation. The total overall amount appropriated under the LEU Acquisition Program
across all six contract awardees is anticipated to be $3.4 billion, to be awarded by the DOE via agreed to task orders each having a
minimum value of $2 million.
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●
Fuel Transportation
Business. Our transportation business will build on existing work completed at INL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the world’s premier U.S.-backed nuclear research facilities. We received an
exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in April 2024, which will form the basis of a complete
transportation system. This license grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use and development of the technology. In
addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We believe this
technology is the most advanced concept in the United States for moving HALEU in commercial quantities. We are currently conducting
work to modify the design to accommodate a variety of different fuel forms, so we are positioned to move fuel for both of our
reactors and to enable us to provide transportation services to any nuclear company looking to move commercial quantities of fuel.
In September 2024, we signed an agreement with GNS Gesellschaft für Nuklear-Service mbH (GNS) to undertake a wide-ranging
project to produce an optimized HALEU transportation system solution based on our exclusively licensed fuel transportation basket
design. The GNS agreement encompasses a study for the transport of multiple HALEU nuclear fuel types, including uranium oxide, TRISO
particles, uranium-zirconium hydride, uranium mononitride, and salt fuel for molten salt reactors, thus optimizing the quantity of
material that can be transported and developing a conceptual package design that will accommodate the new basket design. We intend
to obtain NRC certification for our high-capacity HALEU transportation system to move commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around
North America and internationally. If developed and commercialized, we believe this product will serve as the basis for a domestic
HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. We hope to put our fuel transportation
business into operation by 2026. We have also brought on two former United Parcel Service (UPS) executives, one of which works for
our fuel transportation subsidiary, with the other sitting on our Executive Advisory Board, to assist in growing the transportation
business around our technology .
●
Nuclear Consultation Services.
We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry,
both domestically and internationally. This includes, in coordination with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, the development of
education resources. This business opportunity represents our nearest term revenue generating opportunity. Our goal is to start providing
nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and
internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost Technology Inc. (“Digihost”)
in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and
execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We
have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have
not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating
consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside
academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional
staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services.
Our
Mission
Our
mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated nuclear energy company that will capture market share
in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has had constant
communications with key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the INL and ORNL, which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear
laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre
and The University of California, Berkeley.
Our
Industry
We
believe that the U.S. domestic nuclear energy sector is undergoing a renaissance that we believe we can capitalize on. We strongly
support objectives of the DOE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we
intend for our technology to form part of the U.S. foreign policy to advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy, science and
technology, and drive new resources to projects and activities in developing countries with the greatest need. A key part of our
business plan will seek to become a nuclear technology organization that can grow the U.S. global energy market engagement and
concurrently support global market opportunities.
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We
further believe that our microreactors can address various environmental and energy challenges through their innovative design and capacities,
including their versatile and easily deployable nature in remote locations. We plan to target business development activities for our
microreactors in several sectors, including data centers, artificial intelligence computer and quantum computing; crypto mining; military
applications; disaster relief; transportation (including shipping); mining projects; water desalination and green hydrogen plants; and
space exploration. As a result, we intend to support a broad set of clean energy applications.
Our
Micro Nuclear Reactor Business
A
key pillar of our business plan is to provide readily replaceable mobile reactors which we can provide to customers, along with operative
personnel, to power projects, residential and commercial enterprises, and major development projects. Our vision is to be a commercial
and domestic energy supply leader within the U.S. nuclear industry, and to advance U.S. domestic and foreign policy and national security
priorities. The mobile, lower-cost and ultra-safe solid core model of our micro-reactor vision will provide a clean energy option that
supports initiatives for sustained international engagement and promotes enhanced and more efficient cooperation and assistance in the
application of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology. We will also drive resources to projects and activities in developing
countries of greatest need by supplying energy to areas removed from the grid.
We
are developing two advanced portable nuclear micro reactors in technical design and development. The first, ZEUS , is a
Solid Core Battery Reactor, designed by world-class engineers trained at the University of California—Berkeley, has a fully solid
core and utilizes already licensed fuel types, enriched up to 19.75%, where heat is removed solely by thermal conduction. This requires
the deployment of high conductivity, high melting materials, and careful materials design. The reactor will use already licensed fuel
types, so no new fuel developments are necessary. Reactivity will be controlled with control rods outside of the central core. The generated
heat will be conducted from the fuel to the outside of the core via thermal conduction through a thermally conductive material, allowing
for the elimination of coolant, creating a far safer reactor than historically developed. Heat will be removed from the outside of the
core by recirculated air, which delivers the heat to the gas turbine to produce electricity. The gas turbine will be affixed to the reactor
to reduce piping and minimize the size of the plant. The benefit of not incorporating a primary liquid loop reduces the manufacturing
costs, and enhances simplicity for modelling, testing, optimizing, and constructing. The secondary loop outside the monolith will be
inert gas allowing it to reach high temperatures and direct heating of a gas turbine which will be compact and small. Without coolant,
typical reactor pumps and piping can be removed from the design, allowing for further compactness, with the aim being to construct a
full core and electricity generating gas turbine within a container meeting International Organization for Standardization specifications.
The smaller power core will also mean less neutrons are absorbed by the non-fissionable materials, allowing for longer operational life
despite the small core. On March 27, 2024, we filed an application for a U.S. Provisional Patent – “ ZEUS ”.
ZEUS
Prototype
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Our
second reactor in development, ODIN , will be a Low-Pressure Coolant Reactor, which uses uranium and zirconium HALEU
hydride. The zirconium hydride densely packs hydrogen and so provides substantial moderation. Low pressure “solar” salt
(sodium-potassium nitrate eutectic) coolant will be used to minimize the stress on structural components and improve the reliability
and service life. The design takes advantage of the natural convection of the coolant for heat transfer to the power conversion
cycle at full power, as well as for decay heat removal during reactor shutdown, operating transients, and off-normal conditions. A
nitrogen or open-air Brayton cycle will be used for power conversion due to its simplicity, flexibility, and its wide use within the
conventional power industry. Reactivity control system design will have high reliability and robustness through minimizing the
number of moving parts. In 2025, we plan to formally engage with the NRC and develop and submit our Regulatory Engagement
Plan (REP) to the NRC for ODIN as well as complete salt irradiation testing to select the coolant for ODIN .
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ODIN
Prototype
Successful
licensing and certification of one of our reactors will enable and accelerate certification and licensing processes for innovative and
lower-cost designs in the future. A small portable power source (nuclear power bank) will enable deployment to areas after natural disasters
to support first responders, water purification efforts, hydrogen production, or initial construction to regain control of these situations.
The possibility of multiple nuclear reactors as part of future emergency response resources is also contemplated.
Both
microreactors went through design audits by external institutions in 2023 and 2024, which provided external input and assistance to advance
the concepts and provide validation of the design direction and technology utilized so far. The ODIN microreactor completed
its design audit at INL, where the design was interrogated by 10 engineers and scientists. The design and concept were extremely well
received and further guidance was provided to assist our technical team to steer the reactor from its current state through to a licensed
product ready for deployment. The external design audit for the ZEUS reactor was completed in February 2024, with the more
advanced design receiving commendations for its innovative design and simplicity. In 2025, we plan to file for new patents relating to
ZEUS and work to advance this novel technology in collaboration with the INL utilizing the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation
in Nuclear (GAIN) Nuclear Energy voucher award received by us for ZEUS in 2024.
Both reactors
are expected to begin demonstration and physical test work in early 2025, initially with ODIN followed
by ZEUS , with demonstration work expected to be completed between
2026 and 2027 providing us with working prototypes. The regulatory licensing process for the prototypes is expected to be completed
by 2030 or 2031, with manufacturing facilities being constructed during the licensing phase so we are ready to deploy microreactors
across the country upon licensing approval. In December 2024, we announced our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the
Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting forth a framework for the collaboration between our company and the DOE to evaluate the
feasibility of siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of our ZEUS and ODIN
microreactors at INL. Through this memorandum, we will work with the DOE and BEA, to progress the development, siting, and eventual
testing of our innovative microreactor designs.
Furthermore,
Michael Norato, Ph.D., an INL and DOE veteran, was appointed as our Director of Nuclear Facilities and Infrastructure in December 2024.
Dr. Norato will oversee the construction, development and licensing of our key facilities, including our recently acquired 14,000 sq.
ft. Oak Ridge, Tennessee Nuclear Technology Headquarters and future test bed reactor sites for experiments related to our ZEUS
and ODIN microreactors currently in development. He will also lead the establishment of deconversion and fuel processing
facilities, helping to further our goal of being a vertically integrated leader in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle.
The
Company's 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story facility to house the Company’s Technology Headquarters on a 1.64-acre land package in the historic
Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Our
HALEU Fuel Processing Business
In
2023, we established a subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., to concentrate specifically on creating a domestic fuel processing
facility of LEU and HALEU to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. In February 2023, we were selected as an
official founding member of the DOE’s new HALEU Consortium to develop the U.S.’ domestic capability for the manufacture
of HALEU and its processing.
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Our
commercial and strategic aim for HALEU Energy Fuel is to design, construct and commission a commercial nuclear fuel processing facility
to supply fabricated fuel to the next generation of advanced nuclear reactor companies, our own reactors currently under development,
other small module reactors (known as SMR companies), the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. national laboratories, and the DOE’s nuclear
fuel needs as necessary. The facility’s intended capability is to produce a variety of different fuel forms as required by U.S.
industry and its intended customer base, using received fuel from market recognized fuel enrichment sources. Our proposed fuel facilities
are intended to form part of an integrated system with LIST, a related-party laser uranium enrichment company with which we have an investment
and related collaboration agreement. Our proposed processing activity aligns exactly with the DOE’s HALEU fuel mission to return
nuclear fuel manufacturing capabilities to the United States.
Our
company has identified the potential site and plans to work with the NRC through the NEPA process, which will begin when a federal agency
develops a proposal to take major federal action. The proposed project would benefit both our company and the United States. We believe
a fuel processing facility could be beneficially complimented by the collaboration with an enrichment company, which we have identified
and entered into a partnership agreement with.
In
December 2024, we announced that LIST and our company were selected by the DOE to participate as one of six contract awardees in the
DOE’s LEU Acquisition Program. Under the contract awarded to LIST, LIST was selected as the prime contractor, with our company
as the key subcontractor bringing our technical and regulatory expertise in advanced nuclear solutions to the collaboration. LIST
will oversee the development of the primary uranium enrichment processes using its novel laser technology, while our company will
contribute towards development in the areas of fuel deconversion, fuel fabrication, and fuel transportation. The total overall
amount appropriated under the LEU Acquisition Program to all six contract awardees is anticipated to be $3.4 billion, to be awarded
via agreed upon task orders with a minimum value of $2 million.
During
the first quarter of 2025, we plan to acquire or lease land for the first CAT II non-TRISO HALEU integrated fuel processing facility
in the U.S., and to commence the design work on our fuel processing facility in the first half of 2025, coinciding with engaging the
relevant licensing and regulatory bodies to facilitate the facility commissioning. Initial site preparation is scheduled to begin in
2025, with completion of construction and operation occurring early next decade.
Our
HALEU Fuel Transportation Business
As
we have developed our business, capability deficiencies in the U.S. nuclear industry that would affect the future operation of all SMR
and microreactor companies became apparent, such as there exists no method of transporting commercial quantities of HALEU across North
America. Our proactive approach to mitigate future impediments to our operations culminated in locating research and technology developed
by INL, PNNL and ORNL, that had not been advanced because of budget constraints. On April 3, 2024, we entered into an exclusive patent
license agreement (“BEA License”) with BEA, and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development
of the concept into a complete, governmentally certificated and licensed system proficient in the transportation of enriched fuels.
The
BEA License grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not
permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. Pursuant to the BEA License, we received an exclusive,
royalty-bearing license for a U.S. patent that can be used worldwide related to devices and systems used for HALEU transportation. As
part of the BEA License, we agreed to pay BEA royalties on net worldwide sales and any sublicense worldwide sales related to the use
of this patent as well as certain licensing payments. We also agreed to meet specific performance milestones related to HALEU fuel transportation
within the first 48 months of the agreement’s effective date. Under the BEA License, we are obligated to reimburse BEA for all
costs incurred in the preparation, filing, prosecuting, and maintenance of the licensed patent. The BEA License has an indefinite term
and will automatically terminate upon the expiration, abandonment, or other termination of the licensed patent covered by the BEA License.
The BEA License may also be terminated immediately by BEA in the event of our default of any material obligations, and we may terminate
the agreement at any time if we provide at least three months’ written notice to BEA. The BEA License contains customary representations,
warranties, and indemnifications of the parties. For further information on the BEA License, see “Intellectual Property”
below.
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We
are seeking to form the first transportation company able to supply all emerging SMR and microreactor companies with the fuel they require
at their manufacturing facilities to construct their reactors. We also expect to service the national nuclear laboratories and DOE programs
which require HALEU by providing the fuel for their programs. Mobile reactors requiring HALEU for remote military bases are also anticipated,
with potential military contacts. During 2025, we plan to acquire land, or an existing transportation business, for our HALEU transportation
base of operations.
Our
fuel transportation business will build on the work already completed by INL and ORNL to create a high-capacity HALEU transportation
package, with 18 inner canisters, combined with a basket design and a borated aluminum flux trap. In September 2024, we signed an
agreement with GNS to undertake a wide-ranging project to produce an optimized HALEU transportation system solution based on our
exclusively licensed fuel transportation basket design. The GNS agreement encompasses a study for the transport of multiple HALEU
nuclear fuel types, including uranium oxide, TRISO particles, uranium-zirconium hydride, uranium mononitride, and salt fuel for
molten salt reactors, thus optimizing the quantity of material that can be transported and developing a conceptual package design that
will accommodate the new basket design. We are receiving support from two former executives of the largest shipping company in the
world who are assisting us in developing a North American transportation company using our licensed or developed technology to
deliver (subject to applicable government licensing and certification) nuclear fuel for a wide customer base, including SMR and
microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.
Our
Business Services and Consulting Business
The
current upsurge in interest in nuclear energy, combined with the increased investment from both private and governmental sources within
the nuclear space, as well as the global push for zero carbon technologies, has created a demand for nuclear energy expertise which exceeds
supply. The shortage of suitably nuclear-qualified persons has resulted in institutions purchasing nuclear support services and consultancy
practices, profiting from the surge in demand and the commensurate increase in costs created by this demand. Nuclear personnel are being
headhunted and salaries are increasing as demand outpaces supply. The increased demand in personnel and nuclear related business activity
will create increased demand for personnel involved in the licensing and regulator aspects of the industry, exacerbating the difficulty
of acquiring the necessary personnel to develop nuclear related businesses. This trend will likely increase, as the next generation of
nuclear reactors are progressing towards more mature development stages, requiring greater numbers of experienced personnel, and because
nuclear personnel take a long time to educate, qualify, and acquire practical experience.
We
have identified this trend as an opportunity for more immediate revenue for our company, and to acquire more expertise to advance
our business. We have concentrated on identifying small teams with expert personnel, with good portfolios of work and existing
contracts, and good expansion potential, which would provide us with immediate revenue post-acquisition. We expect to start
providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and
internationally.
As
part of our efforts domestically, on December 12, 2024, we entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Digihost Technology
Inc. (“Digihost”) to advance the transition to carbon-free energy at Digihost’s 60-megawatt power plant in upstate
New York. As part of our collaboration, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025 to support the planning and
execution of the project, which will include regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development and stakeholder engagement.
Immediately
after our collaboration, on December 16, 2024, we and Digihost made a joint response submission to the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s Request for Information (RFI) concerning the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies
in New York State. The RFI was initially announced by New York state on November 15, 2024, aiming to gather information and gauge market
interest for increased deployment of renewables and promoting the development of advanced nuclear technology such as our ZEUS
and ODIN microreactors in development.
In
addition to these rendered services, our company is examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services.
We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have
not entered into any definitive agreements with any such targets.
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In
combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal
nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately
$2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing
these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and
our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. Moreover, the outlined expenditures and the timelines
are estimations only. These estimates are inherently subject to significant risks and change due to unforeseen circumstances, operational
challenges, adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process, and other
factors beyond our control. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee
the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.
The
U.S. Nuclear Energy Market
According
to the FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2030 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs and Securing
U.S. Leadership on Clean Energy Technologies published by the White House in 2021, the United States has taken numerous steps in recent
years to reduce its dependence on carbon-emitting energy sources. The U.S. had previously set a goal to reach a 100% carbon pollution-free
electricity system by 2035, and President Biden set a target of a 50 to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse
gas pollution by 2030, underlining the Biden administration’s desire for new energy solutions which are at the core of our business
plans. Additionally, the “net zero world” initiative signals the U.S.’s proactive stance in working with countries
to lead a global transition to net zero emissions by 2050. While it remains unclear how the Trump administration will view the net world
zero initiative, it has already voiced support for the advanced reactor industry and declared its intention to support the build back
of the nuclear industry in the United States.
According
to an article titled “NEI Survey Shows Even More Interest in Nuclear After Major Policy Actions” released on NEI.org in 2023,
in the face of these evolving energy needs, the utility companies that are members of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) are targeting
a role for more than 90 gigawatts of nuclear power in support of their decarbonization goals. According to an article titled “U.S.
nuclear electricity generation continues to decline as more reactors retire” released on the website of U.S. Energy Information
Administration (EIA) in 2022, while the share of U.S. electricity generated by nuclear energy across all sectors in 2021 was similar
to its average share of 19% in the previous decade, its average annual capacity factor remained fixed at 92.7% that same year. By comparison,
solar photovoltaics’ annual capacity factor was 24.6% in the same year, while coal’s capacity reached just 49.3%. Further,
fuel costs for nuclear versus fossil steam in 2022 were recorded to be just $0.61 per kilowatt hour versus $2.46 per kilowatt hour respectively.
According
to an article titled “A New Reckoning for Nuclear Energy” released on theatlantic.com in December 2024, the nuclear energy
sector is experiencing a revival marked by increased capacity, supportive legislation, and substantial investments from tech giants like
Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These developments underscore nuclear energy’s role in potentially delivering abundant, reliable,
emissions-free electricity, crucial for combating climate change.
According
to an article titled “Biden administration sets plan to triple US nuclear energy capacity by 2050” released on utilitydive.com
in November 2024, the Biden administration has laid out an ambitious roadmap to at least triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050,
targeting the addition of 200 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity to address rising energy demands and achieve net-zero emissions. This initiative
is supported by legislative measures, including the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE)
Act, signed into law in July 2024, which streamlines regulatory processes and promotes advanced nuclear technologies.
Additionally,
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocates $6 billion to preserve America’s clean nuclear energy infrastructure
and $2.4 billion for advanced nuclear reactors, enhancing the sector’s financial stability.
10
According
to a 2023 published McKinsey Report titled “What will it take for nuclear power to meet the climate challenge?”, up to 800
gigawatts of new nuclear power could be necessary to meet net-zero targets. In estimating the nuclear power needed to support the energy
transition, we used techno-economic grid modelling to project the overall power mix by 2050. Our scenario—based on “Further
Acceleration” estimates from a report titled “Global Energy Perspective 2022” released by McKinsey in 2022 for global
energy mix, as well as anticipated supply and demand for power—accounts for potential constraints on scale-up in renewables, such
as scarcity of land, raw materials, and transmission limitations. Although our scenario does not rely on a full analysis of grid models
and energy-transition scenarios, it does estimate roughly how much additional dispatchable, low-carbon generation will be needed to meet
net-zero targets. Modelling reveals that the energy transition could require an additional 400 to 800 gigawatts of new nuclear energy—which
could represent up to 10 to 20 percent of future global electricity demand—to meet the need for dispatchable power (that is, not
wind and solar) by 2050. 800 gigawatts of net additional nuclear capacity would triple the current nuclear capacity of 413 gigawatts
and would require approximately 1,000 gigawatts to be generated by new nuclear facilities, as between 100 gigawatts to 250 gigawatts
of current capacity will need to also be replaced. This represents a very large market for our proposed microreactors to participate
in, with even a small amount of market share capture leading to significant revenue generating opportunities for our company.
Our
Vision, Market Opportunity and Key Government Support
We
believe our achievements to date and our business plans are positioning our company to be a leading participant in the U.S. nuclear industry
through simultaneously rebuilding and introducing national capabilities to drive the resurgent nuclear energy industry. We further believe
that our timing and approach into the industry have been optimal, with insight into national capability deficiencies and an understanding
of the difficulties faced by other commercial nuclear energy, particularly microreactor, companies. Almost all microreactor companies
have advanced using funds acquired from government grants or awards. Even with private funding, they have been stifled by lack of investor
interest because of the long return timelines and high risks.
Despite
the early stage of our company, we believe we are competitively differentiated in many ways.
●
Non-Dependent
on Government Funding . Most SMR and microreactor companies are reliant on government grants and financing to progress their
concepts. Consequently, their progress can cease once government funding is not available. Currently, we do not rely on government
funding to sustain our business operations, though we have already received government grants. While we will seek available
government funding opportunities in the future, the absence of government support does not impede our progress in advancing our
research, business, or technological developments. Our leadership team possesses extensive experience in successfully securing
funding from both private and public sources. Additionally, our investor base includes capital from industry professionals who
recognize the immense potential of our company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our limited operating history and early stage of
business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects very difficult, we have a new and unproven technologies and will need to
raise additional capital to implement our business plans.
●
Industry
Investors . Our investor base includes a large component of capital raised from nuclear industry professionals who have reviewed
our plans, concepts, and technologies, and found our company to have enormous potential. The high proportion of investment from experts
in the industry has been an endorsement that has provided investors without a nuclear background with the confidence to invest.
●
Technical
Insight . On the technical front, we have benefited from insight into the problems which affected earlier movers within the
nuclear technology space. Large SMR companies have raised billions of dollars for development but have been stalled by the lag in
developing or acquiring the fuel necessary to advance their reactors. This led to our investigations into de-risking our own fuel
supply by pursuing development and investment into our own fuel processing facility, as well as using more conventional fuel with
greater operational history. We believe we have identified certain problems affecting the industry and we are taking early action
to surmount potential roadblocks. Our new and unproven technologies will necessitate a significant infusion of additional capital
for successful deployment in future. This imperative business requirement has influenced our strategic decision to diversify our
operations, with the aim of establishing nearer term revenue streams which we are seeking to initiate prior to the anticipated commercial
launch of microreactor technology.
●
Government
Contacts . During 2024, individuals with high placed government service and contacts joined our company. These include (i) John
G. Vonglis, the former Chief Financial Officer of the DOE, who joined as our Executive Director
of Global Government Affairs, (ii) Eric R. Oesterle, a former Branch Chief for Operating Reactor Licensing at the NRC, who joined as
our Head of Microreactor Regulatory Licensing and (iii) David Tiktinsky, a forty year veteran of the NRC, who joined as our Head of Nuclear
Regulatory Licensing. In addition, a number of former high-ranking military and government officials with significant experience
in nuclear energy sit on our Executive Advisory Board. Our recruitment efforts were complemented by bringing in experts involved in every
major part of the nuclear industry, from regulation to laboratories, to technical teams. We believe we will benefit from those government
contacts as our company will be afforded access to highly skilled personnel possessing advanced expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors.
We expect these individuals to provide support and services to us, thereby facilitating the progression of our ambitions and projects.
Furthermore, given the nuclear industry has been comprehensively intertwined with government agencies, the value of access to government
and regulatory personnel cannot be overstated. These contacts provide guidance and insights to us, informing us of both conventional
and unconventional challenges that warrant our consideration. Such guidance is an invaluable resource, fortifying our endeavors to systematically
mitigate risks associated with our business operations.
●
World
Class Team . Our technical team is world class, with simple and realizable reactor concepts that do not require exotic fuels
and who are aware of all the difficulties faced by almost every other reactor company who has chosen alternative designs. Our team
has a deep knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements surrounding safety, transportation, and decommissioning, and our designs
have incorporated all these considerations from the outset.
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We
believe that the U.S. government is increasingly showing strong support for nuclear energy through various initiatives aimed at
advancing nuclear technology, all of which further our business plans and opportunities. This support has taken various forms, as
detailed below. Aside from the support for existing nuclear capabilities, all of these initiatives have the potential directly or
indirectly to benefit and support our company.
●
ADVANCE Act. In July 2024, President
Biden signed the Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. Among
a host of other transformative actions, the ADVANCE Act includes numerous benefits to the nuclear microreactor segment where we operate.
For instance, it requires the NRC to report to Congress within 9 months on the particular licensing requirements for advanced reactor
operations, non-electric uses, and co-location with industrial facilities. Within 18 months, the NRC is mandated to implement specific
licensing strategies for microreactors, considering their special characteristics and regulatory aspects such as staffing, security,
and transportation. These mandates are expected to help provide clarity and more certainty to the nuclear licensing process for companies
like ours. The ADVANCE Act also aims to streamline the DOE’s process for approving the export of American technology while maintaining
strong nuclear non-proliferation standards. It also seeks to update outdated rules that restrict international investment in the U.S.
nuclear energy sector, empowering this market to grow and foster innovation. These initiatives could
transform the regulatory pathway for our company, potentially reducing costs and resistance, and accelerating the commercialization
of its advanced nuclear technology solutions. On a broader scale, the ADVANCE Act lays the foundation for next-generation advanced
nuclear energy solutions by dedicating significant investments to expand domestic uranium enrichment capacity and ensuring a steady
supply of the HALEU which is essential for advanced reactors.
●
Advanced Reactor Development.
The DOE has been actively supporting the development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Through programs like the Advanced Reactor
Demonstration Program (ARDP) and the Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARC) program, the U.S. government is providing funding to accelerate
the commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactors like our proposed microreactors that are safer, more efficient, and produce
less waste.
●
Nuclear
Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA) . Signed into law in January 2019, this federal legislation aims to streamline
the regulatory process for advanced nuclear reactors, making it easier for companies to develop and deploy new nuclear technologies
in the United States.
●
Loan
Guarantees . The U.S. government has provided loan guarantees to support the construction of new nuclear power plants. These
guarantees help reduce the financial risk associated with building nuclear facilities and encourage private investment in nuclear
energy projects.
●
Nuclear
Energy Research and Development Funding . The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (ONE) provides funding for research and
development projects related to nuclear energy. This includes research on advanced reactor technologies, nuclear fuel cycle options,
and innovations in nuclear waste management. While we have not yet taken advantage of government funding, we plan to seek such funding
in the future should an appropriate opportunity arise.
●
Public-Private
Partnerships . The U.S. government has encouraged collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance nuclear
technology. Initiatives like the GAIN voucher help connect industry partners with national
laboratories and expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Our collaboration with INL
is an example of this trend. In September 2024, we announced that the DOE
granted us a voucher award for the independent assessment of our novel heat exchanger concept for an
open-air Brayton cycle in collaboration with INL. The heat exchanger concept provides a turnkey solution for our ZEUS
microreactor in development.
●
Support
for Existing Nuclear Fleet . The U.S. government recognizes the importance of maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear power
plants, which provide a significant portion of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. Various measures have been proposed and
implemented to ensure the economic viability of these plants and prevent premature closures.
●
Nuclear
Energy Export Initiatives . The U.S. government has been working to promote the export of American nuclear technology and
expertise to other countries. This supports global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and strengthen international partnerships
in the nuclear energy sector.
●
Department
of Energy Non-Defense Programs for Nuclear Energy and Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. In the federal government’s
fiscal 2023 budget, $1.7 billion was allocated for the Office of Nuclear Energy, (NE), and $62 billion was allocated to the DOE
over a five-year period to deliver a more equitable clean energy future. A further $892 million was allocated to support research
and carbon development for carbon management technologies.
Our
Competitive Strengths
We
believe we have the following competitive strengths relating to our various business lines:
Microreactor
Business
Unlike
other nuclear reactor companies, we are seeking to become a vertically integrated company with multiple streams of revenue, a diversified
business to hedge against market changes, and greater control over industries supporting microreactor development, such as nuclear fuel
and transportation. Our diversified business model will make us highly differentiated from other reactor companies.
Though
our reactor designs were selected for specific markets, the type of reactor we are developing brings great advantages to our business.
We are focusing on the 1-1.5 megawatt electric (or Mwe) power outputs, currently no advanced reactor design has reached prototype stage
within this commercial space. The more developed concepts and reactor companies are almost all catering to different markets, namely
civil nuclear power for large cities and towns. The microreactor space by comparison is relatively undeveloped, with no organizations
demonstrably ahead in development.
We
believe we have an expertise advantage over other companies developing microreactors, as we can recruit the best scientists, engineers
and professionals in the world from any country or institution, without being constrained by the available personnel located within certain
academic and professional institutions. We had the fortune to connect with professors and scientists from around the world, with the
opportunity to work freely on entirely funded projects, with few constraints, drawing from their specializations and expert areas. The
technical personnel involved in the current design of our reactors have been involved with the design and development of dozens of different
reactors. In addition, as described below under “Intellectual Property”, we recently acquired a nuclear reactor cooling technology
that we believe will give our microreactor designs a competitive advantage.
Fuel
Processing Business
We
believe, based on our market research, that no SMR and microreactor company is currently developing an integrated non-TRISO CAT II fuel
supply chain to produce fuel for their reactors. Our strategy to create the fuel for our own reactors will also position us to supply
fuel to the wider nuclear industry and other reactor manufacturers, addressing anticipated significant shortfalls in fuel supply.
12
A
CAT III facility allows for the processing and handling of U235 up to 10% U235 enrichment, there are currently three groups in the U.S.
authorized to operate a CAT III facility. A CAT II facility allows for the processing and handling of U235 up to 20% U235 enrichment.
We believe, based on our market research, that we are progressing towards being the only non-TRISO CAT II facility operator in the country,
giving our business an enormous competitive advantage for both reactor development and establishing multiple sources of future revenue
to de-risk our company. Currently, we believe, based on our market research, that no SMR or microreactor has any sales revenue, inhibiting
the ability for any reactor company to progress, we are building a different and more robust business model.
Fuel
Transportation Business
We
identified a transportation concept which investigated a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, which has been developed
by INL, ORNL and PNNL, and funded by the DOE. The technology was developed around a licensed third-party cask technology to create a
full HALEU transportation package, which provided the most advanced solution we identified to address the technological challenge of
moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. The development of this concept had not been continued by the DOE due
to lack of funding. On April 3, 2024, we entered into the BEA License with BEA for this nuclear fuel transportation package, and have
been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a NRC certified and transportation package for
the transportation of HALEU materials.
To
provide our company further advantage in the fuel transportation space, we recruited two former executives from UPS, the world’s
largest shipping company, as our consultants who are assisting us in developing a North American transportation company using our licensed
or developed technology to deliver (subject to applicable government licensing and certification) fuel for a wide customer base, including
SMR and microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.
Our
Challenges
We
are a young company seeking to develop and launch an integrated nuclear energy business. Our efforts face and will continue to face many
significant challenges, as our business involves complex nuclear technology, regulatory hurdles, and rapidly shifting market dynamics.
These challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:
●
Obtaining
the necessary permits and licenses for nuclear reactors, facilities and transportation capabilities is time-consuming and expensive.
Microreactors must meet stringent safety and environmental standards, and gaining regulatory approval can be a lengthy endeavor.
Additionally, ensuring the safety of a microreactor throughout its lifecycle is paramount. Developing, implementing, and maintaining
robust safety systems and protocols are critical challenges. Implementing robust security measures to protect against theft, sabotage,
or unauthorized access is also critical for both regulatory compliance and public safety.
●
Building
and operating a microreactor is very capital-intensive. Securing the necessary significant funding and managing costs, including
but not limited to operational and maintenance costs, are ongoing challenges for our business.
●
The
political and regulatory landscape can change, impacting the stability and viability of nuclear projects. International agreements
and geopolitical factors can also affect nuclear technology access and export.
Competition
Our
competitors (nearly all of which are significantly larger and have more cash resources than we do) are other power generation systems
which provide energy within the 1Mwe-1.5Mwe range. This competition includes fossil fuel power generating units, renewables, long duration
storage and other nuclear reactors, including other microreactors. However, as described above in “Competitive Strengths”,
we believe we are positioned better than our competition to emerge as a leading supplier of carbon-free round the clock energy generation.
13
Traditional
Energy Sources
According
to the Statistical Review of World Energy 2024, fossil fuels, comprising oil, coal, and natural gas, accounted for approximately 80%
of global energy consumption in 2023. Those traditional energy resources are carbon-intensive, and we expect them to largely be replaced
with carbon-free energy over time. Traditional large-scale nuclear power plants, while carbon-free, require significant upfront capital
expenditures, have a history of extensive construction times, complex safety systems and do not have business cases apart from utility-scale
generation. We believe our carbon-free microreactor technology possesses all the positive attributes of traditional baseload energy and
addresses many of the flaws of traditional nuclear power plants, such as large upfront capital costs.
Renewables
According
to an article titled “More Than 40% of World’s Electricity Came From Zero-Carbon Sources in 2023” released on Wall
Street Journal in August 2024, renewable energy sources like wind and solar made up approximately 17% of total electricity generation,
and hydroelectric and nuclear power contributed 24%. Although these sources generate carbon-free power, except for nuclear power, wind
and solar are highly intermittent and non-dispatchable, and hydroelectric is seasonal and subject to curtailment. Additionally, since
renewables are weather-dependent, they are too unreliable to support certain end-use cases, including mission-critical applications or
industrial applications that require extensive on-site, always-available power. Due to their innovative design SMRs and microreactors,
such as the VOYGR plant design by NuScale Energy Corporation (NYSE:SMR) (NuScale), can operate as baseload generation, load-follow renewables
and/or support key industrial applications.
Other
Advanced Nuclear Reactors
There
are several reactor technologies that are in various stages of development, such as high temperature gas-cooled reactors, fast reactors,
molten salt reactors, fusion technologies, and others, and commercial SMRs are currently operating in China and Russia. These technologies,
like ours, are designed to be clean, safe, and highly reliable. However, these technologies have not received regulatory approval in
the United States, and many of the technologies do not have the fuel supply infrastructure necessary to succeed. Currently, we believe,
based on our market research, that there are no microreactor prototypes, and no other SMR companies other than NuScale – which
caters to a different market than our planned market, has a licensed advance reactor.
Cambridge
Nuclear Energy Centre Collaboration
In
accordance with observed market trends and the surging global demand for nuclear personnel, combined with a shortage of suitably nuclear
qualified individuals, we have partnered with Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, to develop a series
of nuclear teaching programs to educate the next generation of qualified nuclear individuals capable of facilitating the growing demand
and interest in nuclear energy.
Together
with the Chair of Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, we will design and provide Master’s and Doctorate programs in Nuclear Energy
science, physics and engineering related disciplines, to graduate competent engineers and physicists ready for practical deployment to
industry, academia, and research and development destinations. The courses will be designed to provide the candidates with practical
learning which can be usefully applied to the current nuclear environment and state of industry.
Our
strategy includes the employment of graduating personnel upon completion of their programs, to provide further value to our reactor programs,
our fuel processing business, and our business services practice. The programs will serve to provide our company with a stream of individuals
competent in nuclear science and engineering, at a time when personnel are increasingly difficult to source; mitigating against potential
insufficient staffing caused by the labor demand. Concurrently, we expect to be able to provide our graduates with global and dynamic
work opportunities which rival and exceed any other company involved within the nuclear energy space, assisting to retain and attract
the best personnel.
14
Intellectual
Property
BEA
License
On
April 3, 2024, we entered into a BEA License with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the manager of the INL (BEA), and have been working
with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a governmentally certificated and licensed product proficient
in the transportation of enriched fuels.
Pursuant
to the BEA License, we received an exclusive, royalty-bearing license from BEA for a U.S. patent that can be used worldwide related to
devices and systems used for HALEU transportation. The BEA License grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use of this patent
and the licensor is not permitted to license the patent to any other parties within the specified scope. As part of the BEA License,
we agreed to pay BEA royalties on net worldwide sales and any sublicense worldwide sales related to the use of this patent as well as
certain licensing payments. We also agreed to meet specific performance milestones related to HALEU fuel transportation within the first
48 months of the agreement’s effective date. Under the BEA License, we are obligated to reimburse BEA for all costs incurred in
the preparation, filing, prosecuting, and maintenance of the licensed patent. The BEA License has an indefinite term and will automatically
terminate upon the expiration, abandonment, or other termination of the licensed patent covered by the BEA License.
The
BEA License may also be terminated immediately by BEA in the event of our default on any material obligations, and we may terminate the
BEA License at any time if we provide at least three months’ written notice to BEA. The BEA License contains customary representations,
warranties, and indemnifications of the parties.
Acquisition
of ALIP Technology
On
June 21, 2024, we closed an acquisition of a novel annular linear induction pump (ALIP) intellectual property used in small nuclear reactor
cooling from noted physicist, research engineer and project manager Carlos O. Maidana, PhD. of Maidana Research.
In
connection with the transaction, Dr. Maidana has agreed to collaborate with us as a consultant on further development of the ALIP technology
with a view towards achieving SBIR Phase III Award status. These efforts will build on previous DOE grants for the technology aggregating
over $1.37 million in prior phases. Pursuant to a consulting agreement between us and Dr. Maidana, we will provide funding (estimated
to be approximately $350,000) and other resources necessary for the Phase III project, and Dr. Maidana will be the Principal Investigator
on this project.
The
SBIR program is a federal initiative designed to support small businesses in conducting research and development with strong potential
for commercialization. By funding these projects, the SBIR program aims to stimulate technological innovation and facilitate the transition
of research into viable products and services. SBIR Phase I focuses on feasibility and technical merit, Phase II involves further development
and prototype creation, and Phase III centers on commercialization, requiring external funding to bring the innovation to market.
The
ALIP technology, which is based on electromagnetic (rather than moving) pumps, is a key-enabling technology to our ODIN microreactor
in development. Following the previously announced completion of INL’s review of the ODIN microreactor design in February 2024,
our engineers have diligently worked to identify relevant technologies to further optimize and simplify ODIN’s design. The acquired
ALIP technology, to be refined during the SBIR Phase III program, is an example of this strategy in action.
Moreover,
we believe there is significant potential for this technology to be separately commercialized within a year as a component for all salt-based
coolant reactors. There are numerous advanced reactor designs which utilize salt-based coolants in fission and fusion energy industries,
as well as in the advanced materials, space exploration, marine propulsion, and high-temperature and industrial process sectors.
The
SBIR Phase III project acquired by us integrates several previous SBIR efforts, specifically:
●
Grant
Number DE-SC0019835: Development of a Small Electromagnetic Pump for Molten Salt.
●
Grant
Number DE-SC0022805: Software for Multiphysics Analysis and Design of Annular Linear Induction Pumps.
●
Grant
Number DE-SC0013992: Computational Tools for the Design of Liquid Metal Thermomagnetic Systems.
15
As
part of this transaction, Dr. Maidana assigned to us all intellectual property rights associated with the ALIP product, his work on the
foregoing grants and the proposal for the SBIR Phase III program.
In
consideration for the ALIP acquisition, we (i) issued 50,000 shares of common stock to Dr. Maidana and (ii) paid Dr. Maidana cash consideration
of $50,000. Additionally, we agreed to deliver to Dr. Madana an additional (x) 50,000 shares of common stock and (y) cash consideration
of $50,000, contingent upon the successful completion of SBIR Phase III project prior to June 21, 2025, without additional expense to,
or funding requirement by, us.
ZEUS
Provisional Patent
On
March 27, 2024, we filed an application for a U.S. Provisional patent – “ ZEUS ” to protect certain key
design considerations. In July 2024, we filed another application for a U.S. Provisional Patent to secure our newly acquired annual
linear induction pump technology (ALIP). As of December 27, 2024 , these two patent
applications remain under review by the USPTO. Other than that, for competitive reasons, to date we have not filed for any other
U.S. or international patents related to our technology and have opted to maintain such technology as a trade secret. This includes
our ODIN microreactor and other technologies. However, we have been in consultation with legal counsel to discuss patenting aspects
of our developed technology. In addition, we are implementing a strategy to further the research and progress of our microreactor
technology to a more finalized form. We believe that developing technology more comprehensively before patenting offers several
advantages that can enhance the overall value and protection of the patent. Such advantages include stronger patent claims, reduced
risk of invalidity, potential increased market value, minimized prior art, strategic timing, cost savings, better understanding of
applications, and trade secrets protection. We plan to file utility or design patents for ZEUS and ODIN
microreactors before March 27, 2025.
Overall,
we believe developing technology more comprehensively before patenting it provides our company with certain potential strategic advantages.
However, we will balance the advantages of comprehensive development with the risk of potential delays in securing patent protection.
We will continue to consult qualified intellectual property counsel so we can make informed decisions regarding the timing of patent
filings and the overall protection strategy.
As
of December 27, 2024, we have one trademark application “ Smaller, Cheaper and Safer”
on class 11 , pending approval from the United States Patent and Trademark office , and
one domain name.
Acquisition
of USNC Assets – Patented MMR® Energy System and Pylon Reactor Technology
On
December 18, 2024, we entered into the USNC Agreement with USNC to acquire select nuclear energy technology assets, including USNC’s
micro modular nuclear reactor business marketed as a MMR Energy System , and transportable fission power system technology business
marketed as a Pylon Transportable Reactor Platform , including certain contracts, intellectual property rights, demonstration projects
and the equity interests of two non-U.S. entities.
The
MMR Energy System is a zero-carbon nuclear power plant, integrating one or several standardized micro reactors with a heat storage unit
and the adjacent plant for power conversion and utilization. The system, which is under development, could be used to provide carbon-free,
high-quality process heat for co-located industrial applications, and for high-efficiency hydrogen production. The MMR Energy System
compliments our own ‘ZEUS’ and “ ODIN ’ microreactors in development. However, whereas
‘ ZEUS ’ and “ ODIN ’ are being designed to be portable and produce 1 to 1.5 megawatts
thermal (“MWth”) of power, the MMR Energy System is stationary and designed to produce power up to 45 MWth, opening additional
potential markets to us. The MMR Energy System is being demonstrated at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories with Ontario Power Generation
and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was also the first small modular reactor to enter the formal licensing review
phase with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
The
Pylon reactor is a compact nuclear reactor designed for versatility in application and deployment.
It is designed to provide between 1 MWth and 5MWth of power and can be integrated with modular balance of plants tailored to specific
applications including remote terrestrial, marine, and space deployments. The Pylon reactor is scheduled to be demonstrated at the Idaho
National Laboratory’s DOME facility by 2027, following USNC’s selection for the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Front-End
Engineering program.
16
The
newly acquired technologies align closely with our intended uses for ZEUS and ODIN , which are designed
for remote, industrial, infrastructural, maritime, and extra-terrestrial applications, including large-scale data and artificial
intelligence centers and other energy-intensive operations, positioning us to capitalize on growing financial investment and
societal momentum driving advanced nuclear energy technologies on a global scale. We will leverage our world-class technical team to
analyze and optimize these technologies, key components, and intellectual property, before integrating them into its operational
frameworks and ongoing innovation efforts. We also intend to build upon and strengthen the extensive industry relationships that
USNC established during its operations. This includes collaboration with the U.K. government on the MMR reactor under a cost-share
program and ensuring continuity in licensing, regulatory, and grant-related efforts wherever feasible. The acquired technology will
also enable us to refine and better tailor our offerings within previously announced collaborations and partnerships, including
ongoing initiatives.
Insurance
We
currently have director & officer liability insurance for our officers and certain directors. We do not carry any key-man life insurance,
business liability and other professional liability insurance. Neither have we purchased any property insurance or business interruption
insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending
against product liability or professional liability claims that may occur in future. As we are still at the development stage and we
have not produced any products yet, we have determined that our current insurance coverage is sufficient for our business operations
in the U.S.
Research
and Development
As
of December 27, 2024, our team has spent approximately 2.8 years on research and development and invested over an aggregate of approximately
$5.4 million on research and development related to ZEUS and ODIN to develop this technology. Prior to forming
our company in 2022, our technical teams were involved in microreactor research and development which has helped accelerate the development
of our microreactors. Our current research and development efforts are centered on optimizing reactor dimensions, material compositions,
simplifying mechanical systems, and lowering the lifecycle cost of our microreactors and supporting future licensing by the NRC. Our
team is also involved in developing new innovative technologies that will represent future business endeavors, such as fuel processing
and fuel transportation.
Our
research and development team has nearly 150 years of collective experience related to nuclear energy and reactor design ,
involving scientists and engineers from the University of Berkeley, California, and the University of Cambridge.
On
February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with INL for an Expert Review Panel of our ZEUS
microreactor design. The SPP agreement is managed by BEA for the DOE. Over a 6-month period, INL reviewed our ZEUS -related
technical information related to reactor design, siting, fuel, and decommissioning strategy and organized a Panel Review Workshop to
discuss numerous areas of the design. This review panel not only provided recommendations on the current design but also outlined a path
forward for further design and collaboration between us and INL.
In
addition, we have been awarded 200 hours of subject matter expert (SME) support at INL as part of the National Reactor Innovation Center
(NRIC) Resource Team program. NRIC accelerates the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire
stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes. They are charged with and committed to demonstrating
advanced reactors by the end of 2025. The work carried out focused on delivering a thermal-hydraulics model to study the temperature
in our ZEUS reactor core as well as the thermal efficiency of the system, a Monte-Carlo model to study criticality and
reactivity coefficients in the reactor core during depletion, and an optimized version of the reactor core including thermal-hydraulics
and neutronics.
In
the future, we expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly as
we continue to accelerate the development of our products, services, and technologies.
17
Material
Agreements and Current Memoranda of Understanding
Services
Agreement by and between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Cambridge AtomWorks (2024) Limited (“Cambridge AtomWorks”)
On
August 2, 2023, we entered into a services agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks LLP, which was replaced on July 29, 2024 with an updated
services agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks (2024) Limited (or Cambridge AtomWorks). Through Cambridge AtomWorks, our ODIN
development team, led by Ian Farnan and Eugene Schwageraus, provide services to us related to our ODIN microreactor in
development. Pursuant to the 2023 agreement, Cambridge AtomWorks conducted a conceptual design feasibility study that analyzed the main
design parameters of the ODIN microreactor and the proposed materials used to construct a power plant. These activities have been substantially
completed, which led to the execution of the 2024 agreement with AtomWorks.
The
responsibilities of Cambridge AtomWorks under the 2024 agreement include progressing the development of the ODIN reactor
beyond the conceptual stage to achieve the various intermediate stages of development including, but not limited to, those related to
optimizing key system components and functions, with the goal of advancing the ODIN design to be in the position to begin
the formal regulatory application process. The 2024 agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks, like its predecessor agreement, contains customary
data security and privacy, confidentiality, indemnification, and intellectual property covenants.
In
consideration of the services provided, we will pay Cambridge AtomWorks up to $4,864,567 in fees and expense reimbursements. These fees
are to be paid over a two-year term and are based on specific activities that Cambridge AtomWorks must perform. The 2024 agreement expires
two years from the effective date, or until July 25, 2026, whichever is later. During the year ended September 30, 2024, we paid approximately
$586,000 to Cambridge AtomWorks.
Memorandum
of Understanding by and between Centrus and HALEU Energy
On
March 30, 2023, our subsidiary HALEU Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding with Centrus. Pursuant to this agreement, both
parties will explore the possibility of Centrus providing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to HALEU Energy, as needed, to support
HALEU Energy’s research, development, and commercialization efforts, for fuel qualification, for our initial test reactor cores
and our commercial variant micro reactors. The parties will also (i) explore the compatibility of HALEU Energy’s engineering and
technical needs, and Centrus’ technical and manufacturing capabilities to satisfy those engineering and technical needs; (ii) explore
Centrus providing engineering and/or advanced manufacturing services to HALEU Energy; and (iii) explore Centrus providing consulting
services to HALEU Energy in the areas of fabrication, deconversion, regulatory and licensing, and transportation.
This
is a nonbinding and nonexclusive relationship and has customary covenants regarding confidentiality. The term of this agreement ends
on December 31, 2025, and may be extended prior to its expiration by mutual agreement of the parties.
Strategic
Partnership Project Agreement No. 23SP817 between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and BEA
On
February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with BEA. Pursuant to the SPP agreement, BEA is the
management and operating contractor of the INL and is operating as a contractor for the DOE. The purpose of the SPP agreement is to establish
an expert design panel for our ZEUS microreactor design. This review panel will provide recommendations for the current
reactor design and outline a path forward for further design and collaboration between BEA and us. The estimated period of performance
for completion of the statement of work (“SOW”) outlined in the SPP agreement was six months from the effective date of this
SPP agreement (the later of the date signed by the last signatory or the date on which BEA received advance funding from Nano).
On
December 6, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the SPP agreement with BEA, pursuant to which the estimated timeline for completion
of the SOW was extended from July 6, 2023 through January 3, 2025 and the term of the SPP agreement may be extended by mutual written
agreement of both us and BEA. We expect to seek to extend the term of the SPP in light of the Memorandum of Understanding we signed in
December 2024 with DOE as described further below.
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Services
Agreement between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Nuclear Education and Engineering Consulting LLC (“NEEC”)
On
January 19, 2024, we entered into a services agreement with NEEC, effective on January 15, 2024. Pursuant to the NEEC agreement, NEEC
will support the design and development of a solid core 1 Mwe nuclear reactor according to certain high-level objectives established
by us, and in return, NEEC is entitled to a monthly fee of $80,000 or less depending on the workload. The NEEC agreement contains customary
provisions regarding confidentiality, indemnification, data security, and privacy. The NEEC agreement will expire two years from January
15, 2024 and may be terminated sooner by either party in the event that the other party is in breach, and it may be terminated with or
without cause by NEEC upon thirty days’ written notice to us.
Memorandum
of Understanding with Everstar
In
July 2024, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Everstar Inc. to explore the potential of leveraging Everstar’s developing
suite of artificial intelligence driven advisory and technology solutions to modernize the regulatory licensing process for our fabrication,
deconversion, transportation and microreactor development projects.
Memorandum
of Understanding with Rwanda Atomic Energy Board
In
August 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). This memorandum
establishes a framework under which we will work alongside the RAEB to facilitate the introduction and eventual integration of small
modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, like our ZEUS and ODIN , throughout the Republic of Rwanda. We
will also be responsible for enabling the development of the country’s entire ecosystem of nuclear energy systems. This includes
providing technical assistance, training and educational programs to develop Rwanda’s technical expertise in the nuclear energy
industry.
Memorandum
of Understanding with Vert2Grow Energy Solutions
In
November 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding with Vancouver-based start-up Vert2Grow Energy Solutions
Inc. (Vert2Grow). Vert2Grow utilizes vertical farming technology provided by Food Security Structures Canada (FSSC). Under this memorandum,
we and Vert2Grow aim to explore the integration of our portable microreactor technology with the innovative vertical farming solutions
of Vert2Grow and its technology partner FSSC to deliver sustainable power and food production capabilities to remote communities worldwide.
The memorandum establishes an initial, two-year exploration period and seeks to address the pressing challenges faced by remote and underserved
areas, where access to reliable energy and food supply is limited. By leveraging our advanced reactor systems in development and FSSC’s
proprietary controlled-environment agriculture technology, the collaboration will develop a comprehensive framework to deliver innovative
solutions that can transform isolated communities, disaster-prone regions, and industrial sites and may eventuate in the execution of
one or more definitive agreements between the parties. The collaboration’s initial scope of work over the next several years includes
feasibility studies, site selection, pilot project implementation, and community engagement and training.
Founded
in 2019, FSSC specializes in pioneering vertical farming systems that are designed for scalability, operational efficiency, and resilience.
With advanced automation, energy-efficient lighting, and climate control technologies, FSSC’s growing system enables year-round,
high-yield food production in challenging environments.
Memorandum
of Understanding with the DOE Regarding ZEUS and ODIN
On
December 4, 2024, we announced our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting
forth a framework for the collaboration between our company and the DOE to evaluate the feasibility of siting, construction,
commissioning, operation and decommissioning of our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors at INL Through this
memorandum, we will work with the DOE and BEA to progress the development, siting, and eventual testing of our innovative
microreactor designs. The memorandum outlines several core activities, such as site
evaluations, support of our NRC licensing activities, and the development of operational and security plans, including hazardous
material management. We will collaborate with the DOE to assess the suitability of
INL’s infrastructure and secure appropriate land-use agreements for supporting the experimental reactors, focusing on site
selection, feasibility studies, and thorough security and emergency planning. Each party will be responsible for its own costs, as
specified in the memorandum. The memorandum also includes provisions for regulatory coordination, communication strategies, and
efforts to ensure environmental compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with both parties committed to
adhering to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
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Memorandum
of Understanding with the Government of the Togolese Republic
On
December 5, 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Togolese Republic. The
memorandum establishes a framework under which we will collaborate with the Togolese government to advance the development and deployment
of nuclear reactors, fuel facilities and nuclear material transportation within the territory of Togo. The collaboration aims to supplement
Togo’s national energy initiatives with advanced nuclear technologies, including microreactors like our ZEUS and
ODIN microreactors, and build a more robust energy ecosystem. Under this memorandum, we will be responsible for evaluating
the specific regional needs for energy systems that can support remote mines, industries, data centers, towns, hospitals, and desalination
plants throughout the country, without the need to connect to the national grid. In turn, the Togolese government will support our licensing
and implementation efforts in Togo, ensuring that the projects meet all international safety, non-proliferation and best practices.
Memorandum
of Understanding with Digihost
On
December 12, 2024, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Digihost to advance the transition to carbon-free energy at Digihost’s
60-megawatt power plant in upstate New York. This strategic collaboration leverages our cutting-edge advanced nuclear reactor technologies
in development to provide clean, reliable, and scalable energy for Digihost’s high-tech operations, including AI-driven data centers
and digital asset colocation programs. The collaboration signifies a pivotal step toward zero-emission energy solutions for Digihost
by transitioning its existing power infrastructure to leverage advanced nuclear energy, enabling us to offer practical strategies and
innovative solutions to address energy challenges faced by industries within the state of New York. In the interim, we will assist in
optimizing Digihost’s existing gas power infrastructure to ensure energy stability while nuclear deployment is developed.
As
part of the collaboration, we will also provide consulting services to Digihost to support the planning and execution of the
project, which will include regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development and stakeholder engagement. The project’s
timeline aligns with our overall expectations for licensing and deployment, with reactor integration within Digihost’s
operations targeted for 2031. Before deployment, we and Digihost will conduct a comprehensive site assessment of Digihost’s
location, initiate site preparations and develop a comprehensive, phased implementation strategy, collaborate on the design,
construction, testing, and commissioning of an advanced microreactor power system, and work together on regulatory and licensing
activities. This memorandum is non-binding, and we will look to further memorialize our collaboration with Digihost through
definitive agreements in the future.
Government
Regulation
Microreactor
Business
Nuclear
Safety Regulation . The commercial use of nuclear technology is regulated in all countries, and approval from national regulatory
bodies is required for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants, including our proposed microreactors. Nuclear safety
regulators primarily consider the safety and robustness of designs of nuclear plants against applicable internal hazards (e.g., component
failures and fires) and external hazards (e.g., earthquakes and weather loads such as snow, rain and wind), and also consider the environmental
impacts of construction and operations (e.g., water use and preservation of historical sites and animal and plant species) of nuclear
plants. Nuclear safety regulation must be addressed on a country-by-country basis, although regulators may collaborate when a design
is deployed in multiple countries.
Our
microreactor licensing strategy includes two primary goals: (1) obtain regulatory approval using the most efficient licensing pathway
by engaging the regulator early and developing a complete and high-quality application; and (2) maintain a standard design for our microreactor
in as many markets as possible by pursuing NRC Standard Design Certification that can be completely referenced in customer license applications.
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Nuclear
Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States . For a nuclear plant to be constructed and operated in the United States, an applicant
must develop and submit either a construction permit application followed by an operating license application in accordance with 10 CFR
Part 50 or submit a combined license application in accordance with 10 CFR Part 52. An applicant utilizing either licensing pathway can
incorporate by reference a design certification thus limiting the scope of its license application to site-specific information and operational
programs. A customer desiring to construct and operate one of our ZEUS or ODIN microreactors can increase
the efficiency of NRC regulatory approval by incorporating by reference the NRC standard design certification for one of our microreactors
into its application. In accordance with our licensing strategy, we expect to obtain NRC approval and certification of our standard microreactor
design for incorporation by reference into prospective customer license applications. The design certification process ensures that NRC
review of the design is final and that prospective customers that use our NRC standard design certification without modification will
only need to support NRC review of site-specific design features (e.g., physical security systems, water intake structures, on-site emergency
plan), operational programs (e.g., maintenance, emergency preparedness), and environmental impacts. Through design finality, the NRC
will not re-review our microreactor design.
Nuclear
Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally . We are evaluating plans for pursuing international markets and engaging with international
regulators with respect to our proposed microreactors. If we pursue markets outside of the U.S., we will assess all international
regulatory requirements which may be applicable to our business.
Other
Regulations . In addition to nuclear safety regulations, we are also subject to such other nuclear regulatory controls as nuclear
material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions, and liability insurance regimes (e.g., Price-Andersen Act, the 1960 Paris Convention,
the 1963 Vienna Convention, and the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation). We only plan to sell our microreactors in jurisdictions
where nuclear liability is exclusively channeled to the plant operator.
Customers
purchasing our microreactors must also obtain the permits, licenses, and insurance required for the jurisdiction where the facility will
be located. In the U.S., a nuclear plant developer must obtain an NRC construction permit and operating license issued pursuant to 10
CFR Part 50 or a combined construction and operating license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 52. Other U.S. federal permits or licenses
required for a nuclear plant may include those issued by the Army Corps of Engineers; the Federal Aviation Administration; the U.S. Department
of Transportation; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State or local regulators may also require permits or licenses for a
nuclear plant, including a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction
Activities and to Construct a Sanitary Wastewater, Wastewater Treatment facility; Section 401 Water Quality Certification; Well Permits;
Solid Waste Handling Permit; and appropriate building permits.
Export
Controls . Our microreactor business is subject to, and complies with, stringent U.S. import and export control laws, including the
Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulations from the Bureau of Industry and Security which is part of the U.S. Department of
Commerce, and regulations issued by the DOE. The regulations exist to advance the national security and foreign policy interests of the
U.S. and to further its nonproliferation policies. Nuclear technology, also known as technical data, is controlled by 10 CFR Part 810,
under the regulations of the DOE. Nuclear hardware and codes specifically designed or modified for use in a nuclear reactor are controlled
by the NRC under 10 CFR Part 110. We will work to ensure that strict internal control and measures are implemented to comply with export
control regulations. Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 810 provides a list of countries that are considered Generally Authorized meaning they
are considered to be non-sensitive. Countries not on this list are required to be specifically authorized prior to sharing any nuclear
technology. Under Part 110, the NRC regulates the export or import of nuclear hardware, material and code, following the same sensitive
countries versus non sensitive countries’ regulatory structure embedded in 10 CFR Part 810.
Fuel
Processing and Transportation Businesses
Nuclear
Safety Regulation . The commercial nuclear fuel industry is heavily regulated in the United States and regulatory approval is required
for the design, safety systems and operation of a nuclear fuel facility such as our proposed HALEU fuel processing facility. Nuclear
safety regulators from the NRC consider safety related impacts to the facility from external events (e.g., wildfires, impacts from nearby
facilities), natural phenomena hazards (e.g., seismic events, wind, snow, floods), fire protection, environmental conditions and dynamic
effects associated with operations, chemical protection, emergency response, criticality control, and instrumentation and control. The
facility license application must identify items relied on for safety in order to limit potential radiation and chemical related impacts
to workers, the public, and the environment.
21
A
nuclear fuel facility must also consider the impacts of the facility on the environment. An environmental report will be prepared which
describes the impact of constructing the facility on the environment; adverse environmental impacts that cannot be avoided; alternatives
to the proposed facility construction; the relationship between short-term uses and enhancement of long-term productivity; and irreversible
commitments of resources. The NRC will consider environmental impacts in its licensing decision making process. The NRC will need to
make an environmental related finding of no significant impact (FONSI) prior to issuance of a license for the fuel facility.
Our
regulatory licensing strategy is to design a HALEU nuclear fuel processing facility using proven technology, processes and safety systems
and engage the NRC early in the license application development process. Our intent is to produce a high-quality application that can
be reviewed and approved by the NRC in the minimum amount of time.
On
the fuel transportation side, we are evaluating the availability and use of comprehensive nuclear material packaging. The use of NRC
certified transportation packages under applicable federal rules and meeting the appropriate Department of Transportation regulatory
requirements for radioactive materials are necessary for nuclear fuel shipments within the United States. Additionally, international
shipping requirements which follow IAEA regulations (and those of the recipient country), are needed for any international transport
of nuclear fuel.
Nuclear
Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States . In order for a nuclear fuel facility to be constructed and operated, a license application
and supporting documentation needs to be prepared and submitted for review and approval by NRC. The safety basis for the facility is
documented in an integrated safety analysis (ISA). An ISA is a systematic examination of the facility’s processes, equipment, structures,
and personnel activities to ensure that all relevant hazards that could result in unacceptable consequences have been adequately evaluated
and appropriate protective measures have been identified. NRC fuel cycle facilities are similar to chemical processing plants and ISA
techniques that have been applied in the chemical industry are generally applicable to a nuclear fuel facility. A document that contains
a summary of the ISA will be submitted to the NRC with the license application.
The
license application submitted to the NRC will also include (a) an overview of the site and processes; (b) the licensees organization,
(c) the ISA methodology to be used, (d) a radiation protection program, (e) a nuclear criticality safety program; (f) a chemical process
safety program; (g) a fire safety program; (h) an emergency management plan; (i) an environmental protection description; (j) a decommissioning
plan; (k) a management measures program; (l) a fundamental nuclear material control and accounting plan; and (m) a physical protection
plan.
An
environmental report detailing the potential impacts of the facility (and alternatives) will also be prepared and submitted to the
NRC for review. We expect that the NRC will complete its review of our license application and environmental report within
24-months. We believe that the NRC review time can be compressed by submitting a high-quality application for a facility using
proven technology and following guidance documents prepared by the NRC. Communication with the NRC both during the pre-application
period and during the review will help facilitate a successful licensing review.
After
obtaining a license from the NRC, we will construct the facility in an expeditious manner. After construction is completed, it is expected
that the NRC will perform an operational readiness review of the facility and grant NANO an authorization to operate.
To
transport the fuel within the United States, NRC certified transportation packages will be used. If necessary, the package certificate
of compliance will be amended by the package certificate holder in order to add our fabricated fuel as an authorized content for the
transportation package. The certificate of compliance amendment request, if needed, will follow the appropriate regulatory requirements
in the United States that are contained in 10 CFR Part 71.
Nuclear
Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally . Since the fuel facility is being licensed to produce our fuel in the United States by
the NRC, no international regulatory approvals will be needed.
22
Shipping
of the fuel will occur in the United State using NRC certified transportation packages and following the appropriate regulatory requirements
that are necessary for fuel shipments. For international shipments, additional shipping approvals will be needed depending on the country
that the fuel will be shipped to. International shipping requirements will be addressed by following IAEA transportation requirements
for transport of nuclear fuel and the recipient’s country’s requirements.
Other
Regulation. In addition to nuclear safety regulations, our fuel processing and transportation businesses are subject to other nuclear
regulatory controls such as special nuclear material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions. Other U.S. federal and state permits
such as air quality, liquid effluent controls, and building permits will be required depending on the fuel facility design (types and
quantity of waste materials produced) and the state in which the facility will be located which has not yet been determined.
Export
controls . Exports related to our fuel processing facility and products are controlled by the NRC under applicable federal regulations.
Nuclear fuel processing plant equipment and components are under NRC’s export licensing authority as per Appendix O to 10 CFR Part
110. This includes items that are considered especially designed for the fabrication of nuclear fuel including equipment that: (a) directly
processes or controls the production flow of nuclear material; (b) seal the nuclear material with cladding; (c) check the integrity of
cladding; (d) check the finished treatment of the sealed fuel; or (e) is used for assembling reactor fuel elements. This section of the
regulations also includes equipment or systems of equipment specifically designed or prepared for use in a fuel processing plant. Additionally,
10 CFR 110.9a states that the export control of special nuclear material is also controlled by the NRC.
Many
types of controls are required to ensure compliance with NRC export control regulations. For example, 10 CFR 110.28 lists embargoed destinations
for exporting nuclear materials and technology. An application to the NRC for a specific license to export special nuclear material will
be required. The specific license is issued on a case-by-case basis to a single specified person or entity which submits and is legally
responsible for the proposed export transactions as described on NRC Form 7 application submitted to the NRC.
Human
Capital Resources
As
of December 27, 2024, we had five full time employees and had 39 independent contractors with an aggregate of 62 advanced degrees, including
31 master’s degrees in engineering and science, 17 PhDs and two JDs (Juris Doctors - Doctors of Law). We have utilized independent
contractor relationships with our senior executive officers, except for Jay Jiang Yu, with whom we have an employment agreement, that
became effective on October 1, 2024, but we intend to enter into formal employment agreements with our other senior executive officers
in the future.
The
following table provides a breakdown of our staff by function as of December 27, 2024.
Function
Number
of Staff
%
of Total
Management
5
11.36 %
Research and Development (1)
16
36.36 %
Business Operation (2)
21
47.73 %
Administration
2
4.55 %
Total
44
100 %
(1)
There was an increase of headcounts for a total of nine staff, or approximately 129% of the total research and development personnel
in the research and development department in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The above-mentioned increases were due to
the recruitment of new staff for our research and development.
(2)
There was an increase of headcounts for a total of eight staff, or approximately 62% of the business operation personnel in the business
operation department in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The above-mentioned increases were due to the recruitment of new staff
for our business operations.
Our
workforce operates under a hybrid model that integrates both in-office and remote work arrangements. We have a seasoned leadership team with nearly 150 years of cumulative experience in the
nuclear industry. Our management team places significant focus and attention on matters concerning our human capital assets, particularly
on the specific industry and technical knowledge that are required to implement our nuclear energy-focused business plan. Accordingly,
we regularly review staff development and succession plans for each of our functions to identify and develop our pipeline of talent.
23
We
believe we offer our staff competitive compensation packages and an environment that encourages self-development and, as a result, have
generally been able to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain a stable core management team. Our staff are not represented
by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with
our staff and to date, we have not experienced any labor disputes.
Description
of Properties
Our
corporate headquarters is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10018, covering approximately 7,800 square feet.
We lease this space for $33,605 per month whereby the monthly lease rent will increase by 2.5% on an annual basis. The lease is effective
on April 1, 2024 and has a term ending on July 31, 2031.
In
August 2024, we purchased a 1.64-acre land package in the historic Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for $1.7
million. The purchase includes a 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story building to house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters. Situated in a world-class
location for innovative nuclear technology research and development, this facility will serve as the central hub for our advanced nuclear
technology design and engineering capabilities. The Nuclear Technology Headquarters is near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Spallation
Neutron Source, the National Transportation Research Center, and The University of Tennessee’s Center of Excellence in Engineering.
We expect to grow the number of personnel working at the facility over the next year and expect to ultimately employ up to 30 personnel
at the facility.
We
believe the above-mentioned facilities and offices are adequate and suitable for our current needs and that, should it be needed, suitable
additional or alternative space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.
Corporate
History and Corporate Structure
We
were incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 8, 2022. We are primarily engaged in the design and development of
mobile, easily deployable microreactors, the development of a commercial CAT II facility for fuel processing, and the creation of a commercial
transportation technology and business, with the capacity to move fuel enriched up to 19.75% U235 across North America.
HALEU
Energy Fuel Inc. (which we refer to herein as HALEU Energy), incorporated on August 30, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Through HALEU Energy, we are seeking to develop a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of
advanced nuclear reactors.
American
Uranium Inc. (which we refer to herein as American Uranium), incorporated on February 9, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Through American Uranium, we are engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of uranium mineral resource properties
in the U.S. and internationally. American Uranium has not commenced operation as of the date of this Report.
Advanced
Fuel Transportation Inc. (which we refer to herein as Advanced Fuel Transportation), incorporated on June 21, 2023 under the laws of
Nevada, is our wholly owned subsidiary. Through Advanced Fuel Transportation, we plan to manufacture a licensed high-capacity HALEU transportation
system and produce a governmentally licensed and permitted high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities
of HALEU fuel around North America. Advanced Fuel Transportation has not commenced operation as of the date of this Report.
24
Nano
Nuclear Space Inc. (which we refer to herein as Nano Nuclear Space), incorporated on July 24, 2024 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned
subsidiary. Through Nano Nuclear Space, we are seeking to explore the potential commercial applications of our developing micronuclear
reactor technology in space, including the ALIP technology. In September 2024, Dr. Carlos Maidana was appointed to lead our Nano Nuclear
Space activities.
Available
Information
Our
website is www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Access to copies of our SEC filings, corporate governance information, and other items that may
be material or of interest to our investors is available via our website under “Financial Information”. The contents of our
website are not incorporated by reference into this Report or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references
to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only. All information that we have filed with the SEC can also be accessed
through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.