KEY POINTS
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The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program is advancing rapidly, with companies working at speeds not seen since the Manhattan Project.
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Safety approvals have been granted for Antares and Oklo, marking milestones in the program.
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Aalo, Valar, and Oklo have already begun construction, as the push to meet the 2026 operational deadline intensifies.
The American Nuclear Society reported that companies participating in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program are advancing at a remarkable speed.
In a report published last week, the American Nuclear Society provided an update on the progress of the pilot program so far.
Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program
The Reactor Pilot Program, launched by the Department of Energy (DOE), is a fast-track initiative to develop and test advanced nuclear reactors and help meet the wave of expected future energy demands.
ConstructConnect Chief Economist, Michael Guckes, and others have reported on a surge of expectations for electrical power needs. These needs are largely being driven by accelerating electricity demand forecasts, aging grid infrastructure, and the push for reliable, large-scale energy sources to support future growth.
The pilot program aims to have at least three reactors operational by July 4, 2026 (as directed by Executive Order 14301), using DOE authorization to safely expedite development, instead of traditional Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing.
Ten Companies Participating in Pilot
The ten participating companies in the pilot are responsible for funding and building their reactors, with the DOE providing support to accelerate development and pave the way for future commercial licensing. This initiative is designed to speed up innovation in nuclear energy while maintaining safety and efficiency.
“A lot of companies have been moving at speeds not seen since the Manhattan Project,” the American Nuclear Society reported.
Two Approved, Three Start Construction
The DOE has already approved key safety agreements for two companies, Antares and Oklo, while three companies, including Aalo, Valar, and Oklo, have already started construction.
With all participants working at different stages, the race is on to achieve operational reactors by 2026, striking a balance between speed and safety.
Update on the 10 Reactor Pilot Program Participants
Here’s an update on the progress of these projects, based on a report by the American Nuclear Society:
Aalo Atomics: Aalo started building its small nuclear reactor at Idaho National Laboratory in August. By October, the company had completed its initial design review and signed an agreement with the DOE to expedite its work.
Antares Nuclear: Antares is developing a small reactor designed to generate heat. The company has begun producing the special fuel it needs and is on track to have the reactor operational by July 2026.
Atomic Alchemy (Oklo): This company, owned by Oklo, is building a reactor to produce medical isotopes. Construction and equipment purchases are already underway.
Deep Fission: Deep Fission plans to build its reactor next year, but the company hasn’t shared many details yet.
Last Energy: Last Energy is developing a smaller version of its reactor at a research campus in Texas. They finalized a land lease for the project in October.
Natura Resources: Natura is working with Abilene Christian University to develop a new type of reactor. The university’s project is expected to be operational by 2026, and Natura plans to apply for two commercial licenses this year.
Oklo: Oklo is building its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory and has recently received approval from the DOE to produce its own fuel. The company is also working on a second project to test new reactor technology.
Radiant Industries: Radiant is creating a small reactor that could power military bases or remote areas. They’ve secured fuel and announced plans to build a factory in Tennessee next year to produce more reactors.
Terrestrial Energy: Terrestrial is testing its reactor design to prepare for future licensing. Details about their project are still limited.
Valar Atomics: Valar started construction on its small reactor in Utah in September.
In summary, three companies have already begun construction on their reactors, while two projects have secured critical safety approvals from the DOE.
With progress varying across participants, all companies are working diligently to meet the ambitious 2026 deadline. The program represents a potential leap forward for U.S. nuclear energy, as advanced reactors have the potential to transform how we generate power safely and efficiently.
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) is an organization of scientists, engineers, and other professionals dedicated to advancing nuclear sciences and technologies. It was founded in 1954.
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