Aalo Atomics Breaks Ground on Pioneering Nuclear Reactor for Data Center Energy Needs

Aalo Atomics, a trailblazing enterprise, has commenced construction on the Aalo-X experimental reactor adjacent to Idaho National Laboratory (INL), making history as the first company to do so under the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program initiated by then-US President Donald Trump.

This groundbreaking venture seeks to push the boundaries of nuclear technology, focusing on providing energy solutions for the burgeoning data center sector powered by AI-optimized modular nuclear energy.

The Aalo-X is an advanced extra modular reactor (XMR) situated next to INL’s Materials and Fuels Complex. Aalo’s ambitious plans aim for the reactor to achieve self-sustaining nuclear reactions by July 4, 2026.

The company’s inclusion in the program stems from a rigorous competitive application process overseen by the US Department of Energy (DOE). This collaboration between the public and private sectors underscores efforts to progress the nuclear energy market.

Launched by the DOE in June 2025, following Executive Order 14301, the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program aims to revolutionize reactor testing procedures.