Aalo Atomics: Aalo-1 microreactor license application in the United States

Aalo Atomics has submitted its Preliminary Regulatory Undertaking to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its Aalo-1 micro-reactor, marking a key step towards licensing this innovative project.
Aalo Atomics: Demande de licence du micro-réacteur Aalo-1 aux États-Unis.

Partagez:

Aalo Atomics, based in Austin, Texas, recently submitted a Preliminary Regulatory Undertaking (PER) to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). This document details the interactions planned prior to the license application for its Aalo-1 micro-reactor. The REP aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty and add predictability to the licensing process for advanced technologies. Although not mandatory, this plan can facilitate initial discussions with the NRC and set clear expectations. Nuclear power has recently been endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which highlights its crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality.

Aalo’s objectives and strategy

Aalo Atomics aims to build seven Aalo-1 reactors initially for the Idaho Nuclear Project, with a potential extension of seven more units. The company expects the facility to be operational by 2029, providing a reliable and affordable source of electricity for current and future energy needs. In May, the company completed the conceptual design of the Aalo-1, a factory-built, sodium-cooled micro-reactor using uranium zirconium hydride (UZrH) fuel elements.

Collaboration with the Department of Energy

In May, Aalo signed a memorandum of understanding for the installation of its first Aalo-1 reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The site was chosen for its proximity to new megawatt-scale electrolysers and INL’s future fleet of hydrogen-powered coaches. The company plans to submit an application for a combined construction and operation license (COLA) in 2026.

Benefits and support of the GAIN program

Last December, Aalo Atomics was one of the first recipients of GAIN vouchers for the 2024 financial year. These federally-funded vouchers are designed to accelerate innovation in advanced nuclear technologies. Thanks to these vouchers, Aalo will collaborate with INL to evaluate modeling and simulation capabilities for the fuel system and core of the Aalo-1 micro-reactor.

Innovation perspectives

The Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program, launched in 2016 by the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy, helps companies overcome technological and business challenges by providing access to DOE research and development infrastructure. This support aims to facilitate the development of innovative nuclear technologies in a cost-effective way. For its part, Aalo contributes a minimum of 20% of costs, often in the form of in-kind contributions. Aalo Atomics’ progress in the field of micro-reactors marks a significant turning point for the US nuclear industry, with important implications for sustainable energy production and technological innovation.

  • Populaires ​
Plenitude and Modine launch 1.585 MWp solar power plant in Italy
China and the United States improve their energy performance in an unstable global context
Singapore sets SAF aviation levy until 2028 despite fuel price volatility
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Voluntary carbon market attracts $3 billion to industrial biomass sector
Energy Fuels extracts 638,700 pounds of uranium at Pinyon Plain mine
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS