Startup achieves milestone in nuclear test
Valar Atomics reaches cold criticality in a Los Alamos experiment, marking a key step toward its planned full-scale test reactor by 2026.
Image for illustrative purposes
USA, California, Los Alamos: A young advanced-nuclear startup has reached a major technical milestone as it works toward an ambitious Department of Energy target. Valar Atomics, founded in July 2023 and based in El Segundo, announced that it achieved “cold criticality” during a November test at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Cold criticality occurs when uranium-235 sustains a nuclear reaction without reaching operating temperatures or producing power.
The company used specialised fuel originally manufactured by General Atomics, equipment provided by Los Alamos, and its own reactor core modelled after its planned Ward 250 design, but at smaller scale. Valar CEO Isaiah Taylor said the achievement provides vital data for validating the design before moving toward a full-scale test reactor capable of generating power.
The announcement drew attention and debate. Taylor initially stated on social media that Valar was the first startup ever to split the atom, and later clarified that the company is the first venture-backed startup to take its own reactor core to zero-power criticality. Some industry experts pushed back, noting that other companies, including TerraPower, have previously tested fuel in reactors.
Despite the debate, experts agree that more experimental activity benefits innovation. The milestone comes shortly after Valar’s selection for the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, which aims for at least three reactors to achieve test criticality by July 2026.
Valar now faces the challenge of moving from zero-power behaviour to a reactor that can safely generate electricity, which would be a significant technical leap. The company has begun developing its Utah test site while advancing its high-temperature gas reactor design.
Source: msn.com
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