How a Nuclear Reactor Hoax Sparked Online Confusion

The Enron Egg, a satirical at-home nuclear reactor parody, highlights modern gullibility and the challenges of distinguishing humor from fact in today’s digital age.

Since January 7, 2025, my inbox has been flooded with emails and messages about the so-called Enron Egg, an at-home nuclear reactor that promises to power a home for a decade. These messages came from readers, colleagues, and acquaintances, many of whom were awestruck by this “groundbreaking innovation.” It wasn’t until Thursday evening, while preparing a hearty stew in my central London home, that I finally had the chance to look into it. What I found left me both amused and perplexed: the Enron Egg is nothing more than a parody.

The story began when reports from outlets such as Forbes¹ highlighted the Enron Egg as a supposed product from a “relaunched” Enron Corporation. A satirical website mimicking² the once-infamous energy giant announced this fictional device, describing it as a revolutionary micro-nuclear reactor. “Nuclear you can trust,” the fake company declared on its website, which also claimed the reactor’s “heat-resistant casing” would ensure unmatched durability, safety, an…