US Fast-Tracks Small Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has launched President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, selecting 11 advanced reactor projects for fast-tracked deployment. The program's goal is to construct, operate, and achieve criticality for at least three test reactors by July 4, 2026. This initiative is intended to streamline reactor testing and expedite future commercial licensing.

Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly described the program as a "call to action," stating the DOE will support the selected companies in their efforts to achieve criticality by the deadline. The program was announced in June 2025, following President Trump’s Executive Order 14301, which reformed reactor testing at the department.

The program aims to expedite the testing of advanced reactor designs authorized by the DOE at sites outside of national laboratories. This approach will help selected companies, including Aalo Atomics Inc., Last Energy Inc., and Oklo Inc., secure private funding and provide a fast-tracked path to commercial licensing. Each company will be responsible for all costs related to the test reactors, from design to decommissioning.