Aalo Atomics, an American company, has commenced the construction of its first experimental nuclear reactor, designated Aalo-X, which will utilize liquid sodium as a coolant. The reactor is being built near the Idaho National Laboratory, with plans to complete and launch it by July 4 of next year. This initiative reflects the rapid advancement of small nuclear reactors.
The Aalo-X project is part of a pilot program by the U.S. Department of Energy, allowing for the testing of innovative nuclear technologies outside of national laboratories, paving the way towards commercial application. A key feature of the Aalo-X reactor is its use of sodium as a coolant.
Liquid sodium will be employed instead of water to absorb heat, enhancing heat transfer efficiency and reducing reliance on water sources. The reactor will utilize low-enriched uranium dioxide, which is commonly found in standard small nuclear reactors.
Matt Lozak, co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, remarked, “Our selection for the pilot program is a significant step towards our goal of transitioning from company establishment to nuclear fuel fission in under three years.” He also noted that this level of development seemed unattainable just a year ago, and once operational, Aalo-X will be the first sodium-cooled reactor in the United States in over 40 years.