The US Department of Energy (DOE) announced another milestone in the American nuclear energy renaissance as Aalo Atomics’ Aalo-X test reactor successfully completed a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration at Idaho National Laboratory. The achievement marks the fourth DOE-authorized advanced reactor to reach criticality, surpassing the goal set by President Trump in his 2025 executive order to have three advanced reactors achieve the milestone by July 4.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised the efforts of Aalo Atomics, Idaho National Laboratory, and DOE, highlighting their role in accelerating advanced nuclear development. Aalo-X joins other recent successes, including reactors from Antares Nuclear, Valar Atomics, and Deployable Energy, demonstrating continued progress under the DOE Reactor Pilot Program and Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative.
Aalo Atomics said the milestone shows renewed US leadership in nuclear innovation, with the company moving from construction to sustained chain reaction in eight months. DOE stated that its streamlined authorization pathway is helping advance first-of-a-kind reactor technologies, support energy innovation, and strengthen the nation’s nuclear energy industry.
