U.S. Reaches Nuclear Milestone on Nation’s Birthday

The U.S. surpassed a goal set last year by President Trump in an executive order, approving not three but four nuclear reactors by Independence Day 2026, the Department of Energy announced on Monday (POWER).

What’s going on: Aalo Atomics’ Aalo-X Critical Test Reactor became the fourth DOE-authorized advanced reactor to reach criticality, following Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 reactor, Valar Atomics’ Ward 250 reactor and Deployable Energy’s Unity reactor, all of which reached criticality in June.

Why it’s important: NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons marked the achievement, saying, “Building more nuclear reactors here at home is how we secure America’s energy future and unleash American energy dominance.”

• “The Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program shows what is possible when policymakers embrace innovation instead of standing in its way.”
• The administration has made nuclear power a cornerstone of its energy policy. Among its stated goals: To have 10 new large nuclear reactors under construction by 2030.

Manufacturers and energy: Manufacturing across the United States requires power, and manufacturers use about one-third of U.S. energy, Timmons said.

• “By continuing to advance the administration’s energy dominance policies, a new generation of American nuclear technology will strengthen our energy security, bolster our supply chains, support the rapid growth of AI and drive America’s manufacturing competitiveness.”

Proof we need permitting reform: The DOE pilot program’s success, Timmons continued, shows the potential of expeditious permitting to move critical projects along.

• “With the right policies in place, especially comprehensive permitting reform, America’s manufacturers can continue leading the way.”

NAM advocacy: This milestone builds on last year’s executive orders from the administration that Timmons said marked an important step toward unleashing American energy dominance. The NAM has long championed policies that drive investment in advanced nuclear power to meet rising U.S. energy demand fueled by electrification, advanced manufacturing and the surge in AI and data centers.