Recent Developments in Advanced Nuclear Technology
The field of advanced nuclear technology is undergoing rapid evolution, with numerous companies and initiatives paving the way for the next generation of nuclear energy. This article explores some of the latest activities, highlighting groundbreaking ceremonies, state investments, and collaborations that could redefine the nuclear landscape.
Oklo Breaks Ground at INL for First Aurora Powerhouse SMR
On September 22, 2025, Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, held a groundbreaking ceremony at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) for its first Aurora powerhouse, named Aurora-INL. This event is a significant milestone as it aligns with the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program, designed to expedite advanced nuclear deployment following executive orders issued in May 2025.
The Aurora-INL is a sodium-cooled fast reactor utilizing metal fuel, drawing inspiration from the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) that operated from 1964 to 1994. Oklo is leveraging prior fuel recovered from EBR-II and is progressing through DOE authorization steps to fabricate its initial reactor core at the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility (A3F).
Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. has been appointed as the lead Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner, promising to apply its extensive industrial project expertise to ensure the project is completed safely and efficiently. The endeavor is expected to create around 370 construction jobs and 70 to 80 skilled positions upon operational commencement.
The groundbreaking was attended by notable figures, including Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte and INL Director John Wagner, among several state and federal officials. This event marks a significant step towards scalable and safe nuclear technology deployment.
Aalo Atomics Breaks Ground on ‘Extra-Modular Reactor’ at INL
Aalo Atomics, another U.S.-based advanced nuclear company, recently broke ground on its first experimental nuclear power plant, the Aalo-X, also at INL. This 10-MW sodium-cooled test reactor aims for first criticality by July 2026, targeting emerging needs in the nuclear sector.
The Aalo-X represents a novel category of modular reactors termed “extra-modular reactors” (XMRs), designed to bridge the gap between microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). Aalo’s strategy combines factory manufacturing with higher power outputs, aiming to simplify civil works. The manufacturing of Aalo-X is set to occur in Austin, Texas, before being transported to INL.
This project reflects an innovative approach with expectations to co-locate data centers, leveraging the reactor’s compact design and efficient energy transfer. Aalo anticipates that lessons learned during Aalo-X’s life cycle will inform the broader commercial scaling of its reactor modules.
Texas Invests $350M in Nuclear Energy, Appoints Jarred Shaffer to Lead Expansion
In a strategic move to diversify its energy portfolio, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the establishment of the Texas Advanced Nuclear Office (TANO), backed by a state investment of $350 million. Jarred Shaffer, previously a budget and policy advisor in Abbott’s office, has been appointed to lead this initiative.
This financial commitment positions Texas as a forward-thinking player in the nuclear energy sector, particularly as the state seeks to expand beyond fossil fuels. TANO aims to streamline regulatory processes that have historically hindered nuclear development while providing financial incentives to developers interested in launching projects in Texas.
As the state currently operates two nuclear plants that contribute significantly to its energy supply, this new office signals Texas’s ambitions to increase its nuclear footprint in the coming decades.
Aecon and Fermi Energia Team on SMRs in Estonia
The Aecon Group Inc. has entered a partnership with Fermi Energia AS to promote the development and deployment of the GE Vernova Hitachi BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology in Estonia. This collaborative agreement aims to establish a robust framework for developing a qualified domestic nuclear capability and supports the BWRX-300 deployment strategy.
The multi-year agreement focuses on strategic planning, cost evaluation, and reactor building deployment methodologies, promising to utilize Aecon’s vast construction experience. Fermi Energia’s CEO, Kalev Kallemets, highlighted the significance of this partnership in delivering safe and carbon-free nuclear energy to Estonian communities.
The Need for New Investment Models in U.S. Nuclear Projects
A recent report has spotlighted the urgent need for a new class of investors for large-scale nuclear power projects in the U.S. It reveals that traditional utilities have become increasingly risk-averse to the substantial financial implications of constructing new reactors, evidenced by ongoing cost overruns and delays.
To break this deadlock, the report advocates for engaging infrastructure private equity firms that possess the necessary capital and risk management capabilities to tackle such sizeable projects. As the industry moves towards incorporating more advanced reactor designs, fostering a favorable investment backdrop through regulatory certainty will be critical.
NRC’s 6th Annual Artificial Intelligence Workshop
On September 24, 2025, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is hosting its sixth annual workshop focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in nuclear applications. This public event will explore regulatory and technical aspects of AI usage within the nuclear industry.
The workshop will feature discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with AI integration, with a particular focus on how AI can enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear operations. Key speakers include NRC Chairman David Wright and industry experts, emphasizing the necessity for regulatory frameworks that accommodate AI advancements.
IAEA Report: Deploying AI in Nuclear Power
A recent publication from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) outlines the transformative potential of AI in the nuclear sector. The report provides insights into best practices and challenges associated with deploying AI applications at nuclear power plants.
It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and risk assessment throughout the AI deployment process. With the promise of enhancing operational efficiency and safety in nuclear systems, the report aims to guide the nuclear industry in effectively leveraging AI technologies.
Upcoming International Symposium on AI and Nuclear Energy
Scheduled for December 3-4, 2025, in Vienna, Austria, the IAEA-sponsored International Symposium on AI and Nuclear Energy intends to foster collaboration between nuclear and AI sectors. The symposium will address critical synergies in utilizing nuclear power for energy-intensive applications, including data centers, while exploring how AI can drive innovation within the nuclear industry.
Technical discussions will aim to gather diverse international perspectives on the potential of nuclear power to meet future energy needs and improve operational efficiencies using AI.
The landscape of advanced nuclear technology is rapidly evolving, marked by new investments, groundbreaking innovations, and collaborative efforts aimed at expanding the role of nuclear energy in a sustainable future. The focus on integrating AI further signals a forward-thinking approach in leveraging technology to enhance safety and efficiency in the nuclear power sector.