Website: [thorizon.com](https://thorizon.com) ### Introduction Thorizon is a Netherlands-based nuclear energy startup founded in 2018 by Sander de Groot and Lucas Pool, with headquarters in Utrecht, Netherlands. The company is focused on developing advanced small modular molten salt reactors (MSRs) to provide clean, stable, and reliable energy for both residential and industrial applications. Thorizon aims to address the global energy transition by offering a sustainable nuclear solution that can power approximately 250,000 households or supply high-temperature, clean steam to industries, positioning itself as a critical component of the future energy mix. While specific employee count data is not publicly available as of the latest updates, Thorizon has been noted for its collaborative approach, partnering with academia, industry, and government entities to advance its mission [Thorizon](https://thorizon.com). As a private company, Thorizon does not have a publicly traded ticker symbol. Its efforts are centered on innovation in nuclear fission technology, specifically targeting the reuse of nuclear waste as fuel, which aligns with broader goals of sustainability and circular economy principles in energy production. The company has gained attention in the nuclear energy sector for its ambitious plans to develop and deploy its technology by the early 2030s. ### Key Products and Technology Thorizon is primarily focused on a single flagship technology, detailed as follows: - **Thorizon One (Small Modular Molten Salt Reactor)** - **Type**: Advanced small modular reactor using molten salt technology. - **Technical Specifications**: Designed to produce 100 MW of power, sufficient for 250,000 households or industrial steam applications. Specific efficiency metrics are not publicly detailed at this stage. - **Fuel Type**: Utilizes a cartridge fuel system, with a focus on reusing nuclear waste as a fuel source, enhancing sustainability. - **Key Differentiators**: The use of molten salt as both coolant and fuel medium offers inherent safety features, such as passive cooling and reduced risk of meltdown. The ability to recycle nuclear waste into energy is a significant cost and environmental advantage, aligning with circular economy goals. - **Development Stage**: Currently in the prototyping and design phase, with plans to begin construction around 2030. A demonstrator project, Thorizon Pioneer, has garnered regional support in the Netherlands as of late 2025. - **Target Customers**: Utilities, industrial sectors requiring high-temperature steam, and potentially government entities seeking sustainable energy solutions [World Nuclear News](https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/new-funding-to-advance-thorizon-molten-salt-reactor-development). ### Regulatory and Licensing Status Thorizon is in the early stages of regulatory engagement, focusing on prototyping and licensing for its Thorizon One reactor. As a European company, its primary regulatory interactions are likely with the Dutch Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) and potentially the European Union's nuclear regulatory frameworks. Specific details on an application status equivalent to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) process (e.g., pre-application or design certification) are not publicly available in the latest data. However, the company has mentioned advancing licensing efforts as part of its recent funding announcements, indicating active preparation for regulatory milestones [EU-Startups](https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/03/thorizon-secures-e20-million-to-advance-molten-salt-reactor-development/). Key upcoming milestones include further development of the Thorizon Pioneer demonstrator, which received broad industrial and regional support in the Netherlands as of November 2025. The estimated timeline for first commercial deployment is around 2030, contingent on successful prototyping, testing, and regulatory approvals [Thorizon](https://thorizon.com/news/109/broad-support-for-thorizon%E2%80%99s-molten-salt-reactor-demonstrator-in-the-netherlands-). ### Team and Leadership Thorizon’s leadership includes key figures driving its technological and strategic vision: - **Sander de Groot (Co-Founder and CEO)**: A nuclear energy expert with a background in reactor design and innovation, Sander leads Thorizon’s mission to develop sustainable nuclear solutions. - **Lucas Pool (Co-Founder and CTO)**: Lucas focuses on the technical development of molten salt reactor technology, leveraging expertise in nuclear engineering to advance Thorizon One. Specific X handles or LinkedIn profiles for these individuals are not verified in the available data and thus are omitted. Leadership information is based on company announcements and profiles available on their official website [Thorizon](https://thorizon.com). ### Funding and Financial Position Thorizon has raised significant capital to support its development efforts. The most recent funding round, announced on March 12, 2025, secured €20 million (approximately USD22 million) to accelerate the development of Thorizon One, including prototyping, licensing, and demonstration of its cartridge fuel system. Lead investors or specific institutional backers for this round were not detailed in public sources, though the company has noted support from a mix of industrial and regional stakeholders in the Netherlands [World Nuclear News](https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/new-funding-to-advance-thorizon-molten-salt-reactor-development). As a private entity, Thorizon does not disclose market cap or stock performance data. The company remains in a pre-revenue stage, with no reported contracts or commercial-scale operations as of the latest updates. Strategic backers include partnerships with industry players like Orano, indicating potential for future financial and operational support [Orano](https://www.orano.group/en/news/news-group/2024/march/france-2030-the-two-startups-stellaria-and-thorizon-working-in-consortium-with-orano-selected-as-winners-of-the-call-for-projects-to-develop-molten-salt-reactors). ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |----------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Nov 24, 2025 | Thorizon Pioneer Support | Secured broad industrial and regional support in the Netherlands for the Thorizon Pioneer demonstrator project [Thorizon](https://thorizon.com/news/109/broad-support-for-thorizon%E2%80%99s-molten-salt-reactor-demonstrator-in-the-netherlands-). | | May 19, 2025 | Nuclear Waste Energy Plan | Announced plans to generate 100 MW for 40 years using nuclear waste in a novel reactor design [Interesting Engineering](https://interestingengineering.com/energy/european-firm-generate-power-nuclear-waste). | | Mar 12, 2025 | €20 Million Funding Round | Secured €20 million to advance molten salt reactor development, focusing on prototyping and licensing [EU-Startups](https://www.eu-startups.com/2025/03/thorizon-secures-e20-million-to-advance-molten-salt-reactor-development/). | | Mar, 2025 | France 2030 Project Selection | Selected as a winner in consortium with Orano and Stellaria for France 2030 call for molten salt reactor projects [Orano](https://www.orano.group/en/news/news-group/2024/march/france-2030-the-two-startups-stellaria-and-thorizon-working-in-consortium-with-orano-selected-as-winners-of-the-call-for-projects-to-develop-molten-salt-reactors). | | Jan 9, 2025 | Consortium Announcement | Formed a consortium with three companies to set up an advanced testing facility for a planned 100 MW plant [NucNet](https://www.nucnet.org/news/netherlands-nuclear-startup-thorizon-announces-consortium-to-develop-molten-salt-reactor-1-4-2025). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **Orano**: A strategic partnership under the France 2030 initiative, focusing on molten salt reactor development and fuel cycle management. This collaboration enhances Thorizon’s expertise in nuclear fuel handling and positions it within a broader European nuclear innovation ecosystem [Orano](https://www.orano.group/en/news/news-group/2024/march/france-2030-the-two-startups-stellaria-and-thorizon-working-in-consortium-with-orano-selected-as-winners-of-the-call-for-projects-to-develop-molten-salt-reactors). - **Oakridge, University of Lille, and Centrale Lille**: Academic and engineering partnerships to support research and development of Thorizon’s reactor technology, providing technical validation and innovation support. - **Unnamed Industrial and Regional Partners in the Netherlands**: Support for the Thorizon Pioneer demonstrator, indicating local backing for testing and potential deployment [Thorizon](https://thorizon.com/news/109/broad-support-for-thorizon%E2%80%99s-molten-salt-reactor-demonstrator-in-the-netherlands-). ### New Hampshire Relevance Thorizon’s technology presents a potential fit for [[New Hampshire]], though its current geographic focus is in Europe. The state hosts [[Seabrook Station]], a major nuclear facility, and is part of the ISO New England (ISO-NE) grid, which could integrate advanced reactors like Thorizon One for stable baseload power. Thorizon’s 100 MW output is suitable for grid power applications and could support data center loads or industrial heat needs in the region, aligning with New Hampshire’s energy demands. However, Thorizon’s technology readiness, with commercial deployment targeted for around 2030, may not align with immediate NH deployment timelines. New Hampshire’s legislative initiatives, such as HB 710 which explores advanced nuclear options, could provide a policy framework for future collaboration, especially given the state’s interest in small modular reactors (SMRs). There are no direct connections or expressed interests from Thorizon in the Northeast US based on current data, but its focus on sustainable nuclear solutions could resonate with regional clean energy goals if partnerships or expansion plans emerge. ### Competitive Position Thorizon operates in a niche but competitive space within advanced nuclear fission, particularly molten salt reactors. Compared to competitors like: - **[[TerraPower]]**: Backed by significant funding and focusing on Natrium reactors (sodium-cooled), [[TerraPower]] is further along in U.S. regulatory processes but lacks Thorizon’s emphasis on nuclear waste reuse. - **[[Copenhagen Atomics]]**: Another European MSR developer, [[Copenhagen Atomics]] targets smaller, cheaper reactors but may not have the same level of industrial consortium support as Thorizon. Thorizon’s unique advantage lies in its waste-to-energy approach and European partnerships, though risks include slower regulatory timelines outside the U.S. and competition from more established players with faster deployment schedules. ### Closing Note Thorizon is at an early but promising stage, with significant funding and partnerships positioning it for potential leadership in molten salt reactor technology by the early 2030s. *Report generated December 24, 2025*