SMR/advanced-reactor race — HALEU & supply chain
Key Questions
Which microreactors achieved criticality for data center applications?
Four advanced microreactors from Antares, Valar, Deployable, and Aalo reached criticality by the July 4 deadline, including Aalo's 10-MWe Aalo-X built in 8 months and Valar's Ward 250 powering an Nvidia desktop on stage.
What HALEU supply chain developments involve Centrus and Urenco?
Centrus received a $1.07B DOE contract for commercial HALEU production by 2029 after producing 1,900 kg ahead of schedule and was added to the S&P SmallCap 600, while Urenco USA is expanding LEU capacity and building a UK HALEU plant.
Which SMR projects are advancing with NRC reviews or approvals?
The NRC began review of Holtec's SMR-300 at Palisades with $400M federal funding, issued a final safety evaluation for TVA's Clinch River BWRX-300 months ahead of schedule, and Oklo's Groves reactor received DOE safety approval.
How is Valar Atomics collaborating on AI power solutions?
Valar Atomics announced a 30 MW waterless AI factory plan and partnered with Nvidia to develop a nuclear-powered data center in Utah.
What partnerships support X-energy and Holtec SMR deployments?
X-energy partnered with Talen Energy to assess Xe-100 deployment in PJM, while Holtec and EDF proposed four SMR-300s at Cottam UK targeting data center power.
What IPO activity signals investor interest in nuclear fuel and SMRs?
Standard Nuclear filed an IPO targeting a $3.55B valuation, and Holtec's IPO includes its SMR-300 design amid rising AI-driven nuclear interest.
How is the NRC modernizing reactor licensing?
The NRC proposed a landmark overhaul bundling 17 modernization measures, scrapping ALARA in favor of risk-informed regulation to accelerate advanced reactor deployment.
What progress has NuScale and Oklo seen despite stock challenges?
NuScale formed an ENTRA1 partnership to strengthen its commercial path despite stock down 75%, while Oklo received DOE approval for its Groves reactor even as its stock slumped 22% in June.
Major regulatory milestones: Four advanced microreactors (Antares, Valar, Deployable, Aalo) reached criticality by July 4 deadline, with Aalo's 10-MWe Aalo-X built in 8 months and Valar's Ward 250 powering Nvidia desktop live on stage. Valar Atomics announces 30 MW waterless AI factory plan. X-energy partners with Talen Energy to assess Xe-100 deployment in PJM. NRC began review of Holtec SMR-300 at Palisades site with $400M federal funding. Holtec and EDF propose four SMR-300s at Cottam UK, targeting data center power. NRC final safety evaluation for TVA's Clinch River BWRX-300 SMR months ahead of schedule. Oklo's Groves reactor received DOE safety approval. Centrus $1.07B DOE HALEU contract to commercial production by 2029, with 1,900 kg produced ahead of schedule; added to S&P SmallCap 600. Urenco USA expanding LEU capacity and building UK HALEU plant. UK approved Rolls-Royce SMR design. Odin microreactor siting deal in UK at Berkeley Green. Holtec IPO includes SMR-300 design. Westinghouse eVinci microreactor. NuScale stock down 75% despite NRC certification and new ENTRA1 partnership; Oklo stock slumped 22% in June despite wins. Deep Fission prototype canister arrived at Kansas site for proof-of-concept, advancing underground SMR concept with DOE pilot program. Standard Nuclear files IPO targeting $3.55B valuation, signaling investor appetite for nuclear fuel. Policy: NRC proposed landmark licensing overhaul bundling 17 modernization measures, scrapping ALARA for risk-informed regulation; DOE $17.5B loan program for 10 AP1000 reactors.