BULGARIA PREPARES FOR THE NEWS
"Aalo Atomix" began construction of the first modular nuclear reactor in the US
USA, August 29, 2025 – In a significant move for American energy strategy, the startup company "Aalo Atomix" has begun construction of its first experimental modular nuclear reactor (XMR) in the US, according to the "Nuclear Energy" bulletin, distributed by "Icona Communications." The project, called "Aalo-X," is being implemented in the immediate vicinity of the Materials and Fuels Complex at the Idaho National Laboratory, marking a key stage in the development of next-generation nuclear energy.
The construction site, located in the country's strategic nuclear hub, came to life just two weeks after the U.S. Department of Energy selected "Aalo" to participate in President Donald Trump's prestigious nuclear reactor pilot program, announced in June 2025. This initiative aims to accelerate the process of testing and approving innovative nuclear projects outside the strictly regulated environment of national laboratories. This is expected to pave a faster path for their commercial deployment, meeting the growing demand for energy.
The company "Aalo Atomix" expressed its ambitious plans for the project, announcing that they expect to complete construction and reach critical power by July 4, 2026. The commissioning of "Aalo-X" will be a historic moment for US energy, as it will be the first sodium-cooled reactor to connect to the national electricity grid in over 40 years.
Founded in 2023 with headquarters in Austin, Texas, "Aalo Atomix" is part of the wave of startup companies that see the future in small modular reactors as a response to modern energy challenges. These innovative facilities are designed to satisfy the rapidly growing demand for energy, especially from sectors such as artificial intelligence and large data centers.
"Aalo-X" is only a precursor to a larger and more ambitious project – the 50-megawatt modular power plant "Aalo-Pod," which is specially designed to power data centers. According to "Aalo," their modular approach eliminates dependence on external water sources, allowing facilities to expand their power supply to a gigawatt scale without the need for large-scale repairs or modifications to existing infrastructure.
Poland enters the nuclear era with a small reactor in Włocławek
Meanwhile, in Europe, the Polish state energy company "Orlen" is also taking decisive steps towards the implementation of small modular reactors, the bulletin also reported. The company will build its facility in Włocławek, Poland, after the location decision was announced following the agreement between "Orlen" and "Synthos Green Energy." The two companies settled the operational model of their joint venture, which will be responsible for the construction and operation of the small modular reactors.
Włocławek is one of six locations that were selected for further geological surveys necessary for the deployment of such facilities.
In addition to the location decision, "Orlen" and "Synthos Green Energy" also signed a final agreement for their joint venture "OSGE," which will provide full access to the technology of the BWRX-300 reactor, developed in the USA. This move reinforces Poland's commitment to nuclear energy and its technological future.
Poland will host the first BWRX-300 small modular reactor in Europe", said Ireneusz Fafara, president of the board of directors of "Orlen,_q_ emphasizing the country's leadership position in the field of nuclear innovations on the continent.