Chiltern Vital Group and Cambridge Atomworks to Build Odin Microreactor Prototype at Berkeley Site

A significant development in nuclear energy innovation is unfolding as Chiltern Vital Group (CVG) and Cambridge Atomworks have signed a letter of intent to construct the Odin microreactor prototype on the Berkeley Green Science and Technology Park in Gloucestershire, England. The site, previously part of the Berkeley nuclear power plant, now hosts the Gloucestershire Science and Technology Park acquired by CVB in 2024. This project represents a major step toward advancing compact, standalone nuclear energy solutions. The Odin microreactor, described as a low-pressure, molten-salt-cooled system with integrated power conversion capabilities, aims to provide reliable electricity without external connections. If approved, the development will create up to 1,000 jobs and offer 600,000 square feet of R&D, manufacturing, and educational facilities. The initiative aligns with global trends in small modular reactors (SMRs) and underscores the UK’s commitment to nuclear innovation. Cambridge Atomworks plans to operationalize the prototype by 2030, positioning Berkeley as a hub for next-generation energy technologies. This collaboration highlights the growing interest in decentralized nuclear solutions that could address energy demands while minimizing environmental impact.