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Nuclear developers race for Trump goal of 'criticality' before July 4 deadline
The Fourth of July this summer marks not only the 250th anniversary of the United States, but also the deadline for 10 nuclear companies vying to develop small and more advanced reactors to reach what the industry calls “criticality.”
TL;DR
- Ten nuclear companies are aiming to reach 'criticality' in their advanced reactor development by the Fourth of July.
- Criticality signifies a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a key step in proving reactor safety and operation.
- The Trump administration set this deadline as part of a broader goal to expand nuclear energy, enhance energy security, and compete with China in AI development.
- Advanced nuclear reactors are smaller, use fewer components, and have alternative cooling systems compared to older designs.
- Antares Nuclear and Valar Atomics have already achieved criticality for their respective reactors under the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program.
- The Reactor Pilot Program aims to streamline the approval process for test reactors to gather data for commercial approvals.