Hadron Energy, a developer of advanced nuclear microreactor technology, and Smartland Energy, a developer of modular behind-the-meter power infrastructure, have signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding establishing a strategic collaboration to evaluate the potential deployment of Hadron’s Halo Micro-Modular Reactor technology across up to five qualified Smartland projects over time. In connection with the MOU, Smartland has made an initial strategic investment in Hadron Energy and may consider additional participation in future financing rounds.
The collaboration addresses a growing challenge for industrial and digital operators facing rapid load growth, multi-year grid interconnection queues, and increasing pressure to secure firm, on-site power solutions independent of grid constraints. Smartland is advancing a development pipeline of approximately 150 MWe per project, with 12 projects targeted for completion by 2035, representing aggregate capacity demand of approximately 1.8 GWe.
At the center of the partnership is Hadron’s Halo MMR, a 10 MWe light-water nuclear system engineered for modular, behind-the-meter deployment. Unlike traditional nuclear infrastructure, the Halo MMR is designed to be fully factory-fabricated and truck-transportable, enabling installation across a range of industrial and infrastructure contexts that have historically been inaccessible to nuclear generation. Its compact form factor allows it to deliver continuous, carbon-free firm power independent of grid conditions.
The MOU establishes a framework for technical feasibility studies and evaluation of potential integration across qualified Smartland projects, with an initial deployment targeted for the early 2030s, subject to site-specific diligence, licensing, permitting, financing, and definitive agreements. No project sites have been publicly identified.
Hadron is also advancing toward a public listing through a business combination with GigCapital7 Corp., which trades on Nasdaq under the ticker GIG. The Form S-4 registration statement became effective on April 15, 2026, with a shareholder meeting scheduled for May 7, 2026. The company recently announced a collaboration with Paragon Energy Solutions, a Mirion Technologies company, to develop the Instrumentation and Control architecture for the Halo MMR.
KEY QUOTES:
“Power-hungry industrial and digital infrastructure cannot wait for the grid to catch up; it needs firm, on-site generation that performs independently of it. That is what the Halo MMR is designed to do, and Smartland’s portfolio discipline is exactly the kind of partnership we are building toward.”
Sam Gibson, Founder and CEO, Hadron Energy
“Smartland Energy is developing a long-term portfolio of behind-the-meter power infrastructure for customers that need resilient, on-site generation. Our collaboration with Hadron reflects our view that advanced nuclear power will become an important part of the next generation of industrial and digital power infrastructure.”
Vadim Kleyner, CEO, Smartland Energy
