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June 9, 2026

Energy Department says advanced nuclear reactor first to reach critical milestone

  • The microreactor being developed by Antares Nuclear Inc. at the Idaho National Lab reached “criticality” on Thursday.
    • By MATTHEW DALY
    Associated Press

    WASHINGTON — The Energy Department says a small nuclear reactor under development at a national lab has reached a crucial milestone that could allow it to produce electricity within a few years.

    The microreactor being developed by Antares Nuclear Inc. at the Idaho National Lab reached “criticality” on Thursday, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. The milestone occurs when a nuclear reactor achieves a self-sustaining chain reaction capable of producing a steady release of energy.


     
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