Antares Mark-0 Achieves Criticality as First Advanced Nuclear Reactor Under DOE Program
Antares Mark-0 Becomes First Advanced Nuclear Reactor to Achieve Criticality Under DOE Pilot Program
Power Magazine
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Antares Nuclear Inc.'s Mark-0 microreactor has achieved zero-power criticality at Idaho National Laboratory, marking it as the first advanced reactor to reach this milestone under the Department of Energy's Reactor Pilot Program. This significant achievement validates the reactor's design and paves the way for future electricity generation.
- 01The Mark-0 is the first advanced reactor to achieve criticality at Idaho National Laboratory in over 50 years.
- 02Antares Nuclear Inc. has raised over $140 million in private funding since its founding in 2023.
- 03The reactor uses high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) in TRISO fuel compacts, with a total fuel load of less than 120 kilograms.
- 04Antares plans to begin electricity generation by 2028, focusing on defense and space applications.
- 05The reactor's design features passive cooling through sodium heat pipes, enhancing safety and efficiency.
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Antares Nuclear Inc.'s Mark-0 microreactor has successfully achieved zero-power criticality at Idaho National Laboratory’s Reactor and Critical Experiment facility, making it the first advanced reactor to do so under the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program. Announced on June 4, this milestone is significant as it validates the reactor's design and sets the stage for future electricity generation. The Mark-0 utilizes high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) in TRISO fuel compacts, with a total operational fuel load of less than 120 kilograms. Antares, founded in 2023, has secured over $140 million in funding and aims to deploy the reactor for defense and space applications by 2028. The reactor's design incorporates passive cooling through sodium heat pipes, which reduces safety risks associated with active cooling systems. Antares CEO Jordan Bramble emphasized that achieving criticality is just the beginning, as the company prepares for sustained electricity production following extensive thermal testing. The success of Mark-0 also highlights the collaboration with BWX Technologies, which has played a crucial role in fuel development.
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The successful criticality of the Mark-0 microreactor could lead to advancements in nuclear technology and energy production, particularly for defense and space applications.
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