With the signing of an “Other Transactional Agreement”(OTA), Aalo Atomics and the U. S. Department of Energy established a more streamlined pathway for the construction of the Aalo-X reactor, a 10 MWe extra-modular prototype that will begin operations in Idaho.
Aalo-X reactor and nuclear innovation breakthroughs
The signed OTA allows Aalo to move forward at a speed typical of the business sector while remaining under DOE oversight. This contractual model offers greater flexibility, reduces bureaucracy, and shortens timelines. For example, NASA used similar agreements in its work with SpaceXwhich validates its effectiveness in future technology projects.
This framework also positions Aalo as an official DOE contractor, which means it no longer needs to channel contracts through the Idaho National Laboratory. This administrative autonomy streamlines decision making and simplifies resource management during the critical construction phase.
The Aalo-X reactor is designed as a prefabricated, field-assembled modular unit that will serve as the basis for Aalo-1, the company’s first commercial reactor. These modules, grouped in configurations of five, will form the company’s first commercial reactor. nuclear power plants known as Aalo Pod, intended to supply data centers with constant, carbon-free power.
With a view to reaching dry criticality on July 4, 2026, Aalo-X will serve as a testing ground for this technology, supported by Executive Order 14301, which seeks to accelerate nuclear reactor testing in the U.S. Aalo was selected by the Reactor Pilot Program to lead this crucial validation stage.
Aalo Atomics’ goal is to provide safe, scalable and emission-free power to high-demand industries such as data centers and artificial intelligence systems. Aalo-X represents the first step towards this goal, through a platform that fuses nuclear innovation, modular manufacturing and smart energy management.
Source and photo: Aalo
