AECOM Backs Microreactor Deployment with Engineering and Regulatory Expertise
AECOM, the trusted global leader in infrastructure consulting and solutions, has announced that it has been selected by NANO Nuclear Energy Inc to provide a comprehensive suite of engineering, environmental, and regulatory services in support of the construction permit application for the KRONOS MMR™ microreactor project at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
This landmark initiative represents a significant step forward in the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies in the United States, as the KRONOS MMR™ aims to provide clean, resilient, and scalable energy directly on a university campus. If successfully executed, the project will serve as a national demonstration model for microreactor deployment, providing insights that could shape future applications across academic institutions, commercial enterprises, and defense sectors.
AECOM’s Role in the Project
AECOM will bring to the project its decades-long expertise in complex infrastructure delivery, nuclear regulatory processes, and environmental management. The company’s engagement includes:
- Technical Feasibility Studies: Evaluating site conditions at UIUC to confirm the suitability of the location for safe and efficient reactor operation.
- Environmental Assessments: Conducting detailed studies to ensure that the deployment aligns with federal and state environmental standards while minimizing ecological impacts.
- Permitting and Licensing Support: Assisting NANO Nuclear in preparing and submitting necessary documentation to U.S. nuclear regulatory authorities.
- Regulatory Coordination: Serving as a liaison between project stakeholders and regulatory bodies to streamline compliance and approval processes.
According to Frank Sweet, Chief Executive of AECOM’s global Environment business, this collaboration showcases AECOM’s position at the forefront of the clean energy transition:
“This collaboration underscores AECOM’s ability to support innovative energy solutions that address both climate and energy security challenges and illustrates our leadership position in delivering complex, high-impact energy infrastructure. Our multidisciplinary expertise in engineering, environmental compliance, and nuclear regulatory processes is well-suited to support this first-of-its-kind deployment. We look forward to helping bring this transformative project to life.”
Why the KRONOS MMR™ Matters
The KRONOS MMR™ is designed to be a next-generation microreactor, a small-scale nuclear energy system that can deliver reliable, zero-carbon electricity and heat to facilities with high energy demands. Unlike traditional nuclear power plants, microreactors are compact, modular, and transportable, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, including:
- Universities and Research Institutions: Providing campuses with sustainable, independent energy sources while serving as real-world research and training platforms.
- Commercial and Industrial Facilities: Supporting manufacturing, data centers, and other high-demand users with consistent, clean power.
- Remote and Defense Installations: Offering secure and resilient energy for military bases, isolated communities, or areas with limited grid access.
At UIUC, the KRONOS MMR™ will not only provide energy but will also serve as a demonstration project, offering students, faculty, and researchers an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with advanced nuclear technology. This could help shape the future workforce of the nuclear and clean energy industries.
Supporting the Clean Energy Transition
Nuclear power, particularly in the form of microreactors, is increasingly being recognized as a critical component of the global clean energy transition. While renewables like wind and solar play a central role in decarbonization, they are inherently intermittent. Microreactors provide a steady, baseload supply of zero-carbon energy that can complement renewables, stabilize grids, and enhance overall energy security.
AECOM’s involvement in this project reinforces its broader commitment to advancing sustainable infrastructure. As Sam Donelson, Chief Executive of AECOM’s U.S. East and Latin America region, emphasized:
“We are proud to partner with NANO Nuclear on this pioneering initiative. Our work at UIUC reflects our commitment to supporting the next generation of nuclear energy solutions that are safe, sustainable, and scalable. This project aligns with our mission to deliver a better world through innovative infrastructure that meets the demands of a low-carbon future.”
AECOM’s Proven Expertise
AECOM brings decades of experience in nuclear energy projects worldwide, including:
- Advanced Reactor Technologies: Supporting the development and design of emerging nuclear systems.
- Decommissioning Programs: Assisting governments and utilities in the safe decommissioning of aging nuclear plants.
- Environmental Remediation: Delivering large-scale cleanup programs to restore sites impacted by nuclear activities.
- Regulatory and Licensing Expertise: Navigating complex nuclear regulatory frameworks to achieve successful project approvals.
This track record positions AECOM as a trusted partner for NANO Nuclear Energy in the KRONOS MMR™ project. The company’s integrated capabilities across engineering, environmental planning, and compliance are particularly well-suited to advancing nuclear innovation while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign as a National Model
The choice of UIUC as the site for this demonstration project is deliberate and strategic. As one of the leading research universities in the United States, UIUC has a long-standing reputation for excellence in engineering, science, and technology. The deployment of the KRONOS MMR™ at the campus will:
- Advance Education: Provide students and researchers with direct access to cutting-edge nuclear energy systems, strengthening academic programs in energy, sustainability, and nuclear engineering.
- Serve as a Demonstration Platform: Offer a real-world testbed for the deployment of microreactors, with lessons learned that can be shared nationally and globally.
- Promote Energy Security: Showcase how institutions can reduce reliance on external energy sources by generating clean, on-site power.
- Encourage Replication: Provide a blueprint for other universities, research centers, and industrial sites considering microreactor adoption.
Broader Implications for the Energy Landscape
The KRONOS MMR™ project reflects growing interest in distributed, clean energy systems that enhance resilience against climate impacts, cyber threats, and grid disruptions. By demonstrating the viability of microreactors at the university level, the project may pave the way for broader adoption in critical sectors.
For the U.S., successful deployment also has implications for national security and global leadership in nuclear technology. As countries around the world race to develop advanced nuclear systems, the United States’ ability to showcase safe, practical, and commercially viable microreactors will strengthen its position in the international energy arena.
The partnership between AECOM and NANO Nuclear Energy represents more than a construction project—it is an investment in the future of clean energy, workforce development, and infrastructure resilience. With initial activities now underway at UIUC, stakeholders are optimistic that the KRONOS MMR™ will demonstrate not only the technical feasibility of microreactors but also their potential to redefine the role of nuclear energy in a low-carbon economy.
By combining AECOM’s global expertise with NANO Nuclear’s innovation, the project is well-positioned to deliver transformative outcomes for the university, the nuclear industry, and the broader energy transition.
