NANO Nuclear to establish operations in Illinois
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., an advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, will establish a manufacturing, research and development facility in Oak Brook.
The company plans to invest more than $12 million with support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, enabling it to establish operations and create 50 new full-time jobs, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“I’m proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to Illinois’ growing clean energy economy,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Our qualified workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives all make Illinois the best state for companies investing in clean energy production. With support from REV Illinois, this critical investment from NANO Nuclear will create new jobs for hardworking Illinoisans and promote innovative strides in clean energy solutions.”
The REV Illinois program supports clean energy production and advanced manufacturing. NANO Nuclear joins a growing list of clean energy manufacturers that have chosen to expand or establish their business in Illinois, including Richardson Electronics in Kane County and Pure Lithium in Chicago. As part of the state's incentive package, NANO Nuclear received a REV Illinois tax credit.
“Through programs like REV Illinois, we’re creating the conditions for cutting-edge companies to thrive while bringing high-quality jobs and transformative technologies to communities across Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards.
Florent Heidet, chief technology officer of NANO Nuclear, said Illinois is the birthplace of the controlled nuclear chain reaction and the state with the largest nuclear electricity production.
“With the strong presence of nuclear utilities and R&D institutions in Illinois, this is the ideal ecosystem for us to thrive,” he said.
NANO Nuclear recently acquired the 2.75-acre Oak Brook property, which includes a 23,537‑square‑foot stand‑alone facility and a dedicated 7,400‑square‑foot non‑nuclear demonstration area. It is expected to support nuclear engineers, component manufacturers, researchers, and support personnel who will work in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on NANO Nuclear’s lead project, the KRONOS MMR Microreactor Energy System.
“We’re proud to support Illinois’ efforts to drive innovation in the U.S. nuclear energy sector and to bring high‑level engineering jobs to the state,” said James Walker, CEO of NANO Nuclear. “This new hub will play a central role in our work to construct, demonstrate, and ultimately commercialize our KRONOS MMR energy system in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We are committed to using this facility to attract top talent from across the country to achieve our goals, and we’re excited to continue growing our story in Illinois.”