The Nuclear Company, a next-generation energy firm dedicated to reinventing nuclear construction in the United States, announced the opening of its new engineering and construction office in Columbia. This strategic expansion will create over 100 new jobs and accelerate the company’s mission to deploy a standardized fleet of next-generation nuclear reactors across the country.
Founded in 2023 and backed by prominent industrial and climate-focused investors, The Nuclear Company is challenging decades of slow, over-budget nuclear builds with a fresh model: fleet-scale deployment. By utilizing a design-once, build-many approach, the company seeks to bring the same efficiencies that transformed automotive and aerospace manufacturing into the nuclear energy sector.
“Our new Columbia office isn’t just about building reactors,” said Jonathan Webb, Co-founder and CEO of The Nuclear Company. “It’s about rebuilding American energy leadership and ensuring that clean, reliable nuclear power supports the next wave of AI, electrification, and industrial growth.”
South Carolina’s supportive business climate and long-standing role in nuclear innovation made it a natural fit for The Nuclear Company's first major expansion beyond its Washington, D.C., headquarters.
Unlike past nuclear construction projects, which often faced spiraling costs and multi-decade timelines, The Nuclear Company is pursuing a fleet model that standardizes reactor designs, construction processes, and regulatory approvals. This strategy not only reduces risks but also lowers overall costs — a critical factor as the U.S. strives to decarbonize the grid while meeting surging electricity demand.
The company is leveraging advanced construction technologies, integrated supply chain logistics, and AI-driven site selection tools to ensure each project remains on time and within budget. Real-time construction updates and digital integration further support operational transparency and stakeholder confidence.
Greg Reichow, Partner at Eclipse and former Tesla executive, who has joined The Nuclear Company’s board, stated:
“Scaling nuclear energy efficiently is one of the most critical challenges of our time. This disciplined, modular approach mirrors the rapid industrial scaling we've seen in sectors like automotive — and it's exactly what nuclear needs to succeed.”
The Columbia office opening follows The Nuclear Company’s recently completed Series A funding round, led by Eclipse Ventures, with participation from Climate Investment (CIV), True Ventures, Wonder Ventures, Goldcrest Capital, and MCJ Collective. This financial backing equips the company to move aggressively into its next phase: evaluating and preparing sites for an initial 6-gigawatt reactor fleet.
Governor Henry McMaster emphasized the importance of this investment for South Carolina’s economy and energy future.
"When South Carolina attracts businesses like The Nuclear Company, it strengthens our economy, creates new opportunities for our people, and reinforces our position as a leader in energy innovation. Expanding nuclear power will be critical to meeting the needs of our growing population."
The Nuclear Company was founded with a bold vision: to restore American leadership in nuclear energy by delivering cost-effective, reliable, and scalable nuclear power solutions. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and now with a major presence in Columbia, South Carolina, the company is focused on standardized, fleet-scale reactor deployment.
By combining advanced manufacturing techniques, AI-driven project management, and integrated construction practices, The Nuclear Company aims to eliminate the traditional barriers that have historically hindered the nuclear sector. Its leadership team brings expertise from nuclear engineering, heavy construction, aerospace, and digital infrastructure — ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to one of America's most critical energy challenges.