US taps 11 nuclear reactor projects to speed up clean energy goals

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected 11 advanced nuclear reactor projects to participate in President Trump’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, aiming to accelerate the development, testing, and licensing of advanced reactors by July 4, 2026. This initiative seeks to streamline the construction and operation of at least three test reactors outside national laboratories, supporting the goal of making the U.S. a global leader in nuclear energy while ensuring a steady supply of clean energy to American homes and businesses. The selected companies, including Aalo Atomics, Oklo, Terrestrial Energy, and others, will bear all costs related to their reactors’ lifecycle but will benefit from faster regulatory pathways and improved access to private funding. Among the highlighted projects is Terrestrial Energy’s TETRA, which utilizes Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology to deliver 822 MWth/390 MWe, promising efficient and low-cost electricity generation. Oklo, backed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman, is