Denmark-based Copenhagen Atomics plans to construct multiple full-scale test reactors including a subcritical test unit that closely resembles its planned 1 MW thorium molten salt test reactor.

The company said the “progressive testing hierarchy”, where components, software, and sensors must pass several levels of testing before being tested in a prototype reactor with radioactive salts, will drive down costs.

“It is very expensive to build all these systems and keep them running,” the company said in an update. “We are mainly funded by investors who believe this technology will create a major market opportunity, similar to the silicon industry.

“However, we also sell these systems and make some revenue from that and we apply for soft funding, also known as research grants to help fund part of these tests.”