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Energy Department says advanced nuclear reactor first to reach critical milestone

Energy Department says advanced nuclear reactor first to reach critical milestone

Summary

The U.S. Energy Department announced that a small nuclear reactor developed by Antares Nuclear Inc. has reached "criticality," meaning it can now sustain a nuclear chain reaction needed to produce energy. This is a key step toward the reactor producing electricity in the next few years, and it is the first advanced reactor to reach this milestone under a government pilot program started last year.

Key Facts

  • Antares Nuclear Inc. developed a small nuclear reactor called a microreactor.
  • The reactor reached "criticality," which means it can keep a nuclear reaction going by itself.
  • This milestone is essential for the reactor to start producing electricity.
  • The development took place at Idaho National Lab.
  • The program began last year under President Trump to boost nuclear energy in the U.S.
  • Antares is the first private company to reach this milestone in the pilot program.
  • The project involved the Energy Department, other contractors, and support from the U.S. Army.
  • The goal is to speed up advanced nuclear power development in the country.
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