Industrializing Nuclear Battery Production at Vallecitos Nuclear Center
Today, we're proud to announce that Zeno Power is establishing nuclear battery manufacturing at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center in Sunol, California, one of the most storied sites in American nuclear history.
Vallecitos is where the commercial nuclear industry began. Established in 1957, it was home to America's first privately owned nuclear power plant and one of the largest hot cell complexes in the country. Hot cells are where nuclear batteries get built, and they are extraordinarily rare in the United States today. We're restoring them.
We have partnered with NorthStar, the operator decommissioning the broader site, to bring these facilities back online. Non-radiological operations have already begun, with radiological operations expected later this year, pending regulatory approval.
This milestone puts us on track to:
- Deliver first systems to government customers in 2027
- Achieve volume production in 2028
- Add 50+ jobs in California's Tri-Valley over the next three years
- Fulfill $60M+ in contracts with the Pentagon and NASA
Watch the video to see the story of Zeno and Vallecitos.
And help us spread the word by sharing our announcement on LinkedIn and X.
About Zeno Power
Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in extreme environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno's batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. Zeno has secured more than $60 million in U.S. government contracts with NASA and the Department of War. The company has successfully demonstrated a scaled nuclear prototype, secured its initial nuclear supply chain, and is on track to deliver its first systems in 2027. Zeno recently closed its $50 million Series B round, and is backed by leading venture capital firms. Founded in 2018, Zeno has 75+ team members between its offices in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, WA.
Media Contact
Kelsey Bates
Communications Manager
kbates@zenopower.com
Today, we're proud to announce that Zeno Power is establishing nuclear battery manufacturing at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center in Sunol, California, one of the most storied sites in American nuclear history.
Vallecitos is where the commercial nuclear industry began. Established in 1957, it was home to America's first privately owned nuclear power plant and one of the largest hot cell complexes in the country. Hot cells are where nuclear batteries get built, and they are extraordinarily rare in the United States today. We're restoring them.
We have partnered with NorthStar, the operator decommissioning the broader site, to bring these facilities back online. Non-radiological operations have already begun, with radiological operations expected later this year, pending regulatory approval.
This milestone puts us on track to:
- Deliver first systems to government customers in 2027
- Achieve volume production in 2028
- Add 50+ jobs in California's Tri-Valley over the next three years
- Fulfill $60M+ in contracts with the Pentagon and NASA
Watch the video to see the story of Zeno and Vallecitos.
And help us spread the word by sharing our announcement on LinkedIn and X.
About Zeno Power
Zeno Power is the leading developer of nuclear batteries – compact power systems that provide reliable, clean energy in extreme environments. By harnessing the heat from radioisotopes, Zeno's batteries power critical missions on Earth, in space, and at sea. Zeno has secured more than $60 million in U.S. government contracts with NASA and the Department of War. The company has successfully demonstrated a scaled nuclear prototype, secured its initial nuclear supply chain, and is on track to deliver its first systems in 2027. Zeno recently closed its $50 million Series B round, and is backed by leading venture capital firms. Founded in 2018, Zeno has 75+ team members between its offices in Washington, D.C. and Seattle, WA.
Media Contact
Kelsey Bates
Communications Manager
kbates@zenopower.com
Source: Zeno Power
