Elemental Nuclear Energy and Sandia National Laboratories partner to develop supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton Cycle Generator systems for data centers and military installations

Type: Partnership · Technology: Nuclear · Country: United States · Announced: 2026-08-12

Elemental Nuclear Energy secured a strategic partnership project with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) via Sandia National Laboratories to co-develop supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) Brayton Cycle Generator (BCG) systems. The collaboration aims to design, build, and demonstrate two advanced sCO₂ power generation systems: a 1 MWe natural-gas- and waste-heat-fired unit for small modular data centers and remote military installations, and a scaled-up 10 MWe unit compatible with multiple heat sources, including Elemental’s ISTR nuclear reactor. Sandia National Laboratories, recognized as a global leader in closed-loop Brayton cycle systems, will provide technical expertise and access to its world-leading sCO₂ test facilities. The first 1 MWe system is slated for operation in 2027, with commercial deliveries of supporting systems beginning in 2028. Elemental Nuclear Energy seeks to validate the long-term commercial viability of sCO₂ Brayton cycle power generation at scale, targeting behind-the-meter applications for data centers, microgrids, and industrial customers.

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