Demo / PilotMicroreactor
Aalo-X Demo - INL
📍 Scoville (INL), IDDeveloper: Aalo AtomicsVendor / Tech: Aalo Atomics
Capacity
—
Expected Operation
2026
Reactor Type
Aalo-X (compact fast reactor)
Regulatory Status
Reached zero-power fueled criticality at INL at 00:20 local time 2026-07-04 — fourth DOE-authorized advanced reactor criticality.
Details
Primary Use
demonstration
Fuel Type
LEU
Construction Start
2025
Research detail · verified 2026-10-10
Stage
Test reactor running
Commercial power
No (test, research, military or demonstration)
Key dates
2025-08-12 selected for DOE Reactor Pilot Program; 2025-08 ground broken at INL; 2026-03 fuel fabrication contract with Global Nuclear Fuel and Urenco USA enrichment completed; 2026-04 DSA approved by DOE; 2026-07-04 criticality
Workforce
Aalo job postings for Idaho Falls area (nuclear and analysis engineers) noted by Idaho Dept. of Labor regional report; no training partnership found.
Not verified / conflicts
No stated job counts found.
Sources
- https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/criticality-for-fourth-us-microreactor-meets-deadline
- https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-celebrates-fourth-criticality-ahead-july-4th-goal
- https://lmi.idaho.gov/regional-info/news/around-eastern-idaho-economic-activity-april-2026/
- https://www.ans.org/news/article-8178/the-deadline-arrives-checking-in-on-the-reactor-pilot-program/
- https://www.energy.gov/node/4852259
About
Demo unit — no power production or offtaker initially. DOE authorization pathway (not NRC). Site at INL with existing seismic/environmental characterization; lease signed. Civil works underway using Aalo vertical drilling technique. Components shipping from Aalo manufacturing facility in TX. Urenco contracted for LEU fuel. Privately funded ($136M+, self-funded). First of the Aalo-X microreactor design to be built.
Key Organizations
Developer
Aalo Atomics
Fuel Supplier
Urenco
Contracted to provide LEU for Aalo-X units
Private Funding
Aalo Atomics
Equity
$136M+ private, self-funded by Aalo Atomics
—
closed
Federal Funding
DOE
Reactor Pilot Program · Cooperative Agreement
OTA (Other Transaction Agreement); selected as Reactor Pilot Program participant. Amount not disclosed.
—
awarded
State Policy Context
View nuclear-related legislation and energy stats for Idaho