NuCube Energy, a Pasadena-based developer of solid-state fission microreactors, has raised $13 million in an undisclosed funding round. The company's flagship product, the NuCube DeccaCell™, generates up to 15 MW of electricity while delivering high-temperature heat up to 1,100°C, with a core life spanning 7-30 years. The funding will propel commercialization, including testing, partnerships, and deployment for industrial and off-grid applications.
Microreactors Target High-Temp Heat
The timing aligns with surging interest in advanced nuclear for decarbonization. NuCube recently joined Halliburton Labs' ecosystem (Dec 2024) with investment support and earned a DOE GAIN voucher (Dec 2024) for heat exchanger optimization with Idaho National Lab. These milestones position NuCube to disrupt natural gas-dominated industrial heat markets.
Natural Gas Locks in Industrial Emissions
Heavy industries like steel, cement, and chemicals rely on natural gas for processes exceeding 1,000°C, contributing massively to emissions. Over 180,000 U.S. facilities stand ready for modular, ground-level power. Conventional nuclear solutions fall short, unable to economically provide such extreme temperatures or deploy off-grid.
Passive Safety Enables 1,100°C Output
NuCube's DeccaCell employs TRISO fuel, heat pipes, and zero moving parts for passive safety and simplified NRC licensing. Factory-built and transportable by road or rail, it complements renewables for remote mining, research bases, and data centers. This heat-first design outpaces electricity-focused SMRs in serving gas replacement needs.
Idealab Validates Nuclear Ambition
Backed by Idealab Studio and Halliburton Labs, the $13M round draws from proven nuclear-commercialization players. Idealab founder Bill Gross brings exits in solar and clean tech, while Halliburton's energy services expertise accelerates market entry. The investment signals growth capital for scaling amid global nuclear expansion.
Data Centers Drive Microreactor Demand
Advanced nuclear markets target AI-powered data centers needing reliable, clean baseload. NuCube's NuSun™ platform pairs reactors with Energy Vault storage (Jan 2025 partnership). Countries plan to triple nuclear capacity, with microreactors filling gaps in remote and industrial segments.
Proven Team Fuels Execution
Founded by Idealab's Bill Gross and Dr. Cristian Rabiti, NuCube boasts alumni from Ultra Safe Nuclear, Idaho National Lab, and Argonne. This expertise in TRISO fuels and reactor dynamics underpins the DeccaCell's reliability and innovation.
Test Reactors and Partnerships Advance
NuCube eyes Utah San Rafael Energy Lab MOU for test reactor deployment, INL collaboration via GAIN, and NuSun rollout with Energy Vault for AI data centers. Shell GameChanger support adds strategic validation for rapid scaling.