TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS & WHAT TO KNOW THIS WEEK

DOE CELEBRATES FIRST ADVANCED REACTOR CRITICALITY

On Thursday, DOE announced the Antares Nuclear’s advanced reactor design, the Mark-0, successfully completed a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration at DOE's Idaho National Laboratory. This test confirms that the reactor can operate safely and establishes a basis that would allow subsequent reactors to produce electricity in 2027 and beyond. The Mark-0 is the first of multiple advanced reactors anticipated to go critical by the July 4th deadline set by theer May 2025 executive order.

“It is fitting that on the eve of our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are witnessing a historic moment for American energy,” U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said. “For the first time in more than four decades, a new privately developed non-light-water reactor has reached criticality in the United States."

Criticality is the culmination of carefully planned and executed steps that result in a reactor going operational. The Mark-0 criticality test is a tremendous accomplishment that validates the safety and operational performance of Antares Nuclear’s fission reactor. One of the most significant technological achievements in nuclear energy in over 40 years, this test will go on to inform the design and licensing of future commercial reactor deployments. When commercialized after further tests and licensure by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, microreactors like those that Antares makes are anticipated to be used in a variety of terrestrial and space applications and to ensure readiness at military installations requiring reliable energy.

As the 53rd reactor to be built at Idaho National Laboratory site since 1951, Mark-0 joins the storied ranks of test reactors that served as the blueprint for our nation’s current reactor fleet.

“Today, we celebrate the first of the pilot projects to reach criticality and the people who rolled up their sleeves to shape the future of nuclear energy in the United States,” said Assistant Secretary of Nuclear Energy Ted Garrish.

"DOE's Reactor Pilot Program has served as a transformative catalyst for American nuclear energy, enabling feats many believed were impossible less than a year ago. We partnered with experts throughout the DOE and national labs to accelerate our time to commercial impact. The Mark-0 demonstration will continue to generate learning in a safe, rapid setting to improve our reactor design. Beyond reactor physics, we've gained a profoundly greater mastery of our regulatory pathway and our supply chain. Perhaps most of all, this program

has instituted a camaraderie within our team, DOE, and our partners at Idaho National Laboratory, that will continue to grow from here," said Jordan Bramble, CEO, Antares.

The Reactor Pilot Program leverages DOE authorization to expeditiously certify and construct first-of-a-kind advanced reactor designs for demonstration. DOE selected 11 advanced reactor projects to participate in its pilot program last year, including from companies like Oklo Inc. and Terrestrial Energy.

To read the full announcement, click here. 

Key Topics of Discussion Include:

• EM’s new vision for utilizing legacy cleanup to advance American Energy dominance, innovation and affordability.
• The opportunities for EM to contribute to, and benefit from, DOE’s Genesis Mission to more effectively utilize AI to tackle national challenges.
• The intersection of legacy cleanup and advancing DOE’s modernization of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
• EM’s role in the new nuclear renaissance underway across America.
• Industry leadership perspectives on DOE’s cleanup and energy missions.
• The potential for local communities to capitalize on advances in new nuclear.

Schedule:

Tuesday, September 15: Full-Day Programming, Evening Networking Reception

Wednesday, September 16: Full-Day Programming

Full agenda coming soon!

CATCH UP ON RECENT HEADLINES: 

DOE selects five companies to negotiate receipt of surplus U.S. plutonium

Nuclear start-ups Oklo and Flibe Energy both announced last week that they have been selected by the Department of Energy for advanced negotiations under the department’s Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program, which aims to make surplus U.S. plutonium available to the nuclear industry for advanced reactor fuels.

Read the full article here.

Tennessee Powers Up With First-In-The-Nation Fusion Regulations Starting June 9

Tennessee will become the first state in the nation with its own regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines June 9, marking yet another major milestone as the global epicenter of nuclear energy. The Volunteer State will be the first state to roll out a technology-neutral approach to fusion regulation. Tennessee will tap into its expertise as a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Agreement state with more than 60 years of experience.

Read the full article here.

New York opens RFQ, RFA windows for nuclear development and workforce

The New York Power Authority is seeking nuclear reactor developers that can commence construction on large-scale reactors and/or small modular reactors before 2033 that can ultimately add at least 1 GW of new capacity to New York’s electrical grid.

Read the full article here.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

National Cleanup Workshop 2026

Arlington, VA | September 14-16

Learn More Here

How Collaboration Among Companies and Community Hosts Will Strengthen Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation

March 5, 2026

DOE’s recent Request for Information on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses signals federal interest in accelerating advanced fuel capabilities — potentially including HALEU production, fuel fabrication, recycling, testing infrastructure, and integrated research hubs. Today’s discussion focuses on the central question: How will collaboration among private companies and community leaders strengthen the delivery of Nuclear Fuel Cycle Innovation Campuses? Join the discussion to explore different models and how public-private collaboration can strengthen proposals, reduce risk, and build durable local support. 

Speakers will include: 

John Pfeffer - Supervisor, Town of Ashford 

Bill Goodwin - Chief Legal & Strategy Officer, Oklo 

Rod Baltzer - CEO, Deep Isolation 

Curtis Roberts II - VP of Communications and Press Officer, Orano USA

View the full webinar recording here! 

Options for High Level Waste and Used Nuclear Fuel

February 12, 2026

The siting of new nuclear facilities requires integrated nuclear waste solutions that balance technical, regulatory, and social readiness. This goes beyond just regulatory compliance - it demands trust, transparency, and shared problem-solving among local governments, state agencies, developers, and residents. This webinar will explore how siting efforts can deliver on these environmental management goals while accelerating project timelines, developing local economies, and strengthening community confidence in long-term energy infrastructure decisions. 

Speakers include: 

Facilitator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, ECA 

Matt Bowen - Research Scholar, Center on Global Energy Policy 

Kara Colton - Director of Nuclear Policy, ECA 

David Reeploeg - Vice President of Federal Programs, TRIDEC 

Jack Volpato - Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance 

View the full webinar recording here! 

Co-location Options with Nuclear Storage

January 8, 2026

As data centers and advanced fuel cycle facilities seek reliable, carbon-free power, new opportunities are emerging to co-locate these energy-intensive operations with nuclear generation and spent fuel storage sites. Such integration could strengthen grid resilience, reduce transmission losses, align high-demand digital infrastructure with established nuclear security and safety protocols and diversify economic opportunities for host communities and regions. Yet it also raises complex questions about regulatory frameworks, community acceptance, and long-term stewardship of nuclear materials. This webinar will bring together experts from the energy, technology, and policy sectors to explore how thoughtful colocation strategies can balance innovation, safety, and public trust in the next generation of nuclear infrastructure.
Speakers include:
Moderator - Jennifer Chandler - Council Member, Village of Piketon 
Randall Hemann - City Manager, City of Oak Ridge 
David Pointer - Director, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, ORNL
Michele Sampson - Director, Division of New and Renewed Licenses, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation, NRC
Dr. Jenifer Shafer- Associate Director for Technology and Program Director, ARPA-E

View the full webinar recording here! 

Advancing New Nuclear with Datacenter Development

December 8, 2025

As artificial intelligence and cloud computing drive exponential growth in electricity demand, data center developers are turning to nuclear energy for reliable, carbon-free power needed to operate continuously. This session explores the concerns local officials must address when co-locating data centers with existing or new nuclear generation. Speakers will discuss regulatory considerations, what makes an “ideal” site, community engagement, and partnership models that align digital infrastructure expansion with public safety and sustainability goals.

Speakers include:

Moderator: AJ Ridge - Director of Programs, ECA

Iain Macdonald - Principal and Future Energy Systems Development Lead, HKS

Ilissa Miller - Editor-in-Chief, DataCenter Post

David Reeploeg - Executive Director, Hanford Communities

Peter Rodrik - Associate Administrator for Partnership and Acquisition Services, NNSA

Aditi Verma - Assistant Professor, University of Michigan

View the full webinar recording here! 

Creating Emergency Response Planning for Nuclear Storage Projects

November 6, 2025

Advanced nuclear projects are moving toward construction, and local governments play a frontline role in ensuring that emergency preparedness and management systems keep pace with development. City and county officials oversee first responders, coordinate public safety communications, and maintain the trust of residents who live and work near project sites. This webinar will highlight how mayors, emergency managers, and developers collaborate to build readiness from day one—through joint planning, drills, and transparent communication. Participants will gain insight into best practices for integrating project-specific safety requirements into local emergency operations and for sustaining preparedness over the full lifecycle of a nuclear facility.

Speakers include:

Moderator: Laura Hermann - Deputy Executive Director, Energy Communities Alliance

Chief Mike Cochran - Police Chief, City of Craig, Colorado

Lea Perlas - Fusion Program Director, Virginia Department of Health

Randall Ryti - Councilor, Los Alamos County, New Mexico

Brian Scroggins - Administrator of the Division of Planning, Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects

View the full webinar recording here!