Key Takeaway
The Aalo-X aims to achieve criticality, the self-sustaining phase of a nuclear reaction, by July 4, 2026, following its selection by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This initiative is part of the DOE’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, established in June 2025, which updates reactor testing standards to allow innovative designs beyond traditional labs. The goal is to expedite the licensing and deployment of new reactors to provide reliable energy for data centers. Aalo Atomics’ CEO, Matt Loszak, views this selection as a symbol of collaboration between public and private sectors in nuclear energy.
The Aalo-X aims to achieve criticality, the self-sustaining phase of a nuclear reaction, by July 4, 2026.
This advancement follows Aalo’s successful selection in a competitive application process, backed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
Support from the federal government and national lab
The DOE’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, initiated in June 2025 through Executive Order 14301, redefines reactor testing standards.
This innovative approach is intended to authorize advanced nuclear reactor designs for testing outside traditional laboratory environments.
The goal is to accelerate the licensing and deployment of new reactors to provide reliable energy for data centers. Matt Loszak, Co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, views this selection as a symbol of the collaborative synergy between the public and private sectors in the nuclear energy field.
