Innovative U.S. Reactor Launches to Power Data Centers

Aalo-X Experimental Reactor Reaches Criticality

According to НВ — Техно: On July 7 at 5:00 PM, Aalo Atomics announced that its experimental Aalo-X reactor had achieved criticality. This successful milestone surpasses the target set by U.S. Presidential Order No. 14301, which required at least three innovative reactors to reach critical power. Remarkably, the journey from project design to sustained reaction took less than eight months, and the company went from its founding to its first physical startup in under three years.

The Future of Aalo Atomics

The Aalo-X reactor features a full-scale active core, paving the way for future 10 MW reactors. These units will be grouped into modular Aalo Pod systems, each with a total capacity of 50 MW. The Aalo Pod systems are specifically designed to supply energy for AI-driven data centers. Fuel for the Aalo-X reactor is provided by GE Vernova's Global Nuclear Fuel division.

Additionally, Aalo Atomics has already begun work on a second reactor for a commercial system, named Ascension. This reactor will be located at the Aalo-X campus within the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and is scheduled to begin powering a local data center in 2027. To support its expanding operations, the company is also relocating to a new 93,000-square-meter facility, aimed at advancing nuclear energy technologies.

The launch of Aalo-X marks a significant step forward for U.S. nuclear energy, demonstrating Aalo Atomics' ability to rapidly deploy new technologies. Enhancements to the Aalo Pod system could fundamentally transform how data centers are powered-a critical need in today's world of escalating data processing demands. The company's expansion plans and the upcoming Ascension reactor underscore its strategic ambition to lead the field of innovative nuclear technology.

As Aalo Atomics continues to push the boundaries of nuclear technology, the recent arrival of fuel for the innovative Kaleidos reactor in the U.S. signifies a broader commitment to advancing energy solutions. This development complements the achievements of the Aalo-X reactor, highlighting the growing interest in innovative reactors designed to meet modern energy demands. For more insights on this important milestone, read about the fuel delivery for the Kaleidos reactor.