The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has formally launched the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, an initiative by president Trump, announcing its initial collaboration with 11 advanced reactor projects. Through this initiative, the DOE will work closely with industry partners to push these technologies forward, with the target of building, operating, and achieving criticality for at least three test reactors by July 4, 2026. This first round of selections marks a significant milestone in streamlining nuclear testing while opening a pathway toward faster commercial licensing activities.
“President Trump’s Reactor Pilot Program is a call to action,” said Deputy Secretary of Energy James P. Danly. “These companies aim to all safely achieve criticality by Independence Day, and DOE will do everything we can to support their efforts.”
The program reflects President Trump’s wider commitment to restoring U.S. leadership in nuclear energy and to ensuring a stable, diversified, and cost-effective energy supply. By strengthening this foundation, the administration aims to reinforce American prosperity and extend its technological advancement on the global stage.
The Trump Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program was first introduced in June 2025 after the signing of Executive Order 14301, which reformed reactor testing processes within the Department. The program is designed to accelerate the approval of advanced nuclear reactor designs that will be authorized for testing at DOE-sanctioned sites located outside national laboratories. This new authorization pathway under the Atomic Energy Act will enable selected companies including Aalo Atomics Inc., Antares Nuclear Inc., Atomic Alchemy Inc., Deep Fission Inc., Last Energy Inc., Oklo Inc., Natura Resources LLC, Radiant Industries Inc., Terrestrial Energy Inc., and Valar Atomics Inc. to unlock private capital while gaining a streamlined approach toward commercial licensing.
The diversity of proposals submitted demonstrates the breadth of creativity and ingenuity underlying U.S. reactor developers. Each of the companies chosen will be entirely responsible for funding for the design, fabrication, construction, operation, and final decommissioning of their test reactors.
The DOE highlighted its intentions to promote these 11 projects safely and with efficient progression, so that advanced nuclear technology can be used more quickly in the energy industry.