Energy Department says advanced nuclear reactor first to reach critical milestone
The U.S. Energy Department announced that Antares Nuclear Inc., a private company, achieved criticality at its microreactor in Idaho National Lab, marking the first advanced reactor milestone under a Trump administration pilot program. The milestone, reached on June 4, signals progress toward commercial electricity production by late 2027, with military deployment expected by 2028, though skeptics question safety and feasibility.
The Energy Department confirmed that Antares Nuclear Inc., based in California, reached a critical milestone on June 4 with its microreactor at Idaho National Lab. This achievement, called criticality, means the reactor achieved a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction capable of steady energy production. Antares is the first private company to reach this stage under a pilot program launched last year by the Trump administration, aimed at accelerating nuclear energy development in the U.S. The demonstration was conducted in partnership with the Energy Department, the U.S. Army, and other contractors. Energy Secretary Chris Wright called the milestone historic, stating it proves the U.S. can advance nuclear innovation to lower energy costs and strengthen national energy security. The Trump administration’s 2025 executive orders, which streamlined regulatory approvals for advanced reactors, were cited as key to this progress. Antares CEO Jordan Bramble said the company expects to begin producing electricity by late 2027 and deploy the technology to military sites by the end of 2028. The microreactor is initially targeting military applications, with Bramble emphasizing that 2026 will mark the year microreactors become commercially viable. The Pentagon and Energy Department previously demonstrated the feasibility of transporting a microreactor by airlifting a 5-megawatt unit from California to Utah in February. The Trump administration has set a goal of reaching criticality in at least three test reactors by July 4, the nation’s 250th anniversary. Out of 11 selected advanced reactor projects, Antares is the first to achieve this milestone. Despite the progress, critics argue microreactors may not be safe or cost-effective, raising concerns about their long-term feasibility.
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