Bluecore Energy secured $10 million in a pre-seed funding round to develop portable nuclear reactors mounted on barges, the company announced today. Founded by a former Uber engineer, Bluecore aims to create mobile nuclear energy solutions that can be deployed to various locations via waterways, offering flexible power generation options.
The funding round was led by a group of investors focused on climate and clean energy technologies. Bluecore Energy plans to use the capital to advance its reactor design and begin prototype development. The company’s approach involves compact nuclear reactors that can be transported on barges, enabling rapid deployment to areas with energy shortages or disaster zones.
Portable nuclear reactors represent a novel approach within the clean energy sector, addressing challenges of grid infrastructure and energy accessibility. Bluecore’s concept aligns with growing interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) but adds mobility as a key differentiator. The $10 million raise places Bluecore among early-stage startups exploring innovative nuclear solutions, a sector seeing increased investor attention amid global decarbonization efforts.
Bluecore Energy’s next milestone includes completing a working prototype and securing regulatory approvals. The company has set a target to demonstrate its barge-mounted reactor technology within the next two years, aiming to provide a scalable alternative to traditional nuclear power plants.