How Aalo Atomics' Reactor Will Power Future Industry
Aalo Atomics (Aalo) has initiated the construction of the Aalo-X experimental reactor near the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
This marks the first project under President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program.
This development represents an advance in providing modular nuclear energy for manufacturing operations, promising a reliable and sustainable energy source.
The Aalo-X represents a new breed of extra modular reactors (XMR), being positioned strategically next to INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex.
The target is for the reactor to reach criticality, enabling a self-sustaining nuclear reaction by 4 July 2026.
Aalo Atomics secured this opportunity through the competitive process managed by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as part of their pilot programme.
Government and national laboratory support
The DOE launched the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program in June 2025 after Executive Order 14301, reforming testing protocols to authorise advanced nuclear designs at non-traditional sites, thereby fostering innovation for applications such as the growing demands of the manufacturing sector.
Matt Loszak, Co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, says the selection is a clear signal of public-private alignment: “Our selection for the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program is a significant catalyst for achieving our goal of going from ‘founding to fission’ in less than three years – a feat many deemed impossible just a year ago.
“This milestone groundbreaking event is a testament to the potential that can be unlocked when public entities and private companies partner together in the critical interest of the nation.
"This is a pivotal time for the US nuclear energy industry and we are incredibly proud to be at the forefront.”
Designed as a testing site, INL supports technologies aimed at enhancing energy scalability, reliability and deployment speed—crucial for manufacturing facilities that seek consistent, low-impact energy solutions.
“Today’s ground-breaking symbolises the progress that can be achieved when innovation, vision and national purpose come together,” adds John Wagner, Laboratory Director at INL.
“At Idaho National Laboratory, we are proud to support the Department of Energy’s efforts to accelerate advanced nuclear technologies that strengthen America’s energy security, provide reliable power and inspire the next generation of innovators.
“Projects like Aalo-X reflect the promise of nuclear energy to meet our nation’s historic demand growth and help enable a more prosperous future for our nation.”
Meeting manufacturing energy needs
The Aalo-X reactor serves as a prototype for Aalo’s commercial solution: the Aalo Pod, which is tailored to supply power to manufacturing centres.
This 50 Megawatt Electric (MWe) XMR plant relies on five sodium-cooled reactors using low-enriched uranium dioxide fuel selected for safety and accessibility.
Unlike traditional nuclear facilities, the Aalo Pod bypasses the need for an external water source.
Its modular design and compact size allow scalable implementations from megawatts to gigawatts with minimal disruption and permitting complexities.
The company manufactures Aalo-X at a dedicated facility in Austin, Texas.
Upon completion, the reactor is slated for installation and commissioning at INL. Insights gained from Aalo-X will guide the commercial rollout of Aalo Pods, with plans to market by 2029.
Yasir Arafat, Co-founder and CTO at Aalo Atomics, previously led the MARVEL microreactor project at INL, says: “When Aalo-X achieves criticality next year, it will become the first new sodium-cooled reactor to start operation in the US in over four decades. Aalo-X is just the beginning as we are poised to deploy nuclear power on a scale that far exceeds the first atomic age.”
