Radiant FAQ

We have fully modeled worst-case - as well as lesser-case - scenarios for an accident or leak. The analysis has shown zero impact experienced by the public. The scenario planning is a requirement set under federal statute, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will be conducting their own analysis to confirm our findings prior to approval of our operation here in Wyoming.

Radiant is working with federal, state, county, and local first responders to craft an emergency plan that meets the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requirements, and we will share detailed information about our facility's design and operations with all levels of first responders. All of this will be made public and approved by the federal government before we're even allowed to begin operations. Locally, we've already started this process with the Natrona County Sheriff's office.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires continuous radiation monitoring by Radiant, and provides independent oversight through regular scheduled inspections, audits, unannounced visits throughout the year, and even, potentially, having an NRC employee on site at all times. These federal inspectors are tasked with verifying that all safety, security, and environmental regulations are being followed to ensure employee and public safety at all times.

We're not in the business of storing spent fuel, so we don't want it staying on site any longer than necessary. The plan is for the small amount of spent fuel (the volume of the spent fuel in one reactor is equivalent in size to just two Walmart gas grill propane tanks) that comes out of our reactors at the end of their duty cycle to only be temporarily stored on-site until a federal repository or interim storage solution becomes available. One of the benefits of TRISO fuel is that it allows for fuel to be stored in secure, above ground, concrete dry casks - making spent fuel easy to move, with zero long-term impact on the site. Thanks to President Trump's recent executive orders on nuclear energy, we remain optimistic that the selection of a federal repository site is finally imminent, and we will be working to make sure we can remove it from our site as quickly as possible.

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires that Radiant demonstrate financial assurances for the safe storage, handling, and eventual decommissioning of the facility and its spent fuel before a license is issued. These funds are set aside, regulated, and checked on a regularly scheduled basis to ensure they remain available irrespective of Radiant's financial status. The NRC is legally required to ensure that, in the event of bankruptcy that the site is secure and the spent fuel remains safely managed before ultimately transferring over to the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) possession.

Dry cask storage has been built to withstand natural disasters, fires, water immersion, and even high-energy impacts like aircraft crashes or ballistic attacks. There has never, in the history of dry cask storage, been an issue with leakage - even during active warzones. In addition to these highly-engineered casks, Radiant will have armed security onsite, surveillance, intrusion detection, and strict access controls. This is part of why we want it on site at the factory - it makes it easier to keep safe 24x7.

Wyoming families and taxpayers will not be left footing the bill in the event of an accident. Radiant is required to carry extraordinarily robust nuclear liability insurance through American Nuclear Insurers (ANI), which provides up to $500MM in coverage for any health impacts, property damage, and environmental cleanup. If liability exceeds this amount, then the Price-Anderson Act federal program would provide an additional pool of nearly $15 billion that is funded by the nuclear industry, not taxpayers.

Given the regulatory safeguards already in place - plus our insurance requirements and the Price-Anderson Act - we don't believe a bond provides any additional guarantees for the community. That said, Radiant has been actively participating in State legislative meetings and with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to be part of an open and informed process. We're committed to continuing the dialogue to ensure we address any State concerns.

One of the reasons we love Natrona County is the workforce. Our goal is to have as many Wyomingites fill our jobs as possible. Although we believe 80-90% of the jobs can be filled by Wyomingites today, we are working with Casper Community College and the University of Wyoming to build programs that will help train local residents for the other 10-20%, as well as maintain a strong pipeline for the Natrona County workforce.

We feel very confident in our growth projections, but obviously, no business is immune to change or unforeseen circumstances. A company would be lying if they tell you otherwise, and we've promised to always be honest with the community. In the unforeseen situation where we have to scale back our plans, we will always work to try and go above and beyond any legal requirements.

Absolutely. In fact, producing safety reports for our operations is already a requirement as part of our licensing commitments with the NRC. We will ensure that these are readily available to the public, as well as providing opportunities to discuss and engage with the community directly around these topics. More broadly, our town halls we've already held are the start - not the end - of our plans to engage with the community we would like to be a long-term member of.