The Ward 250 reactor, operated by Valar Atomics, achieved a zero-power fueled criticality demonstration in Emery County on Thursday afternoon, marking the first time a Department of Energy-authorized reactor outside of a national laboratory has reached this milestone. The achievement serves as a key step toward the company's goal of reaching full power operations by July 4.
Defining the criticality event
The criticality event, which signifies that the reactor can produce a stable and ongoing chain reaction, represents the second time Valar Atomics has reached this stage. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, criticality occurs when each fission event releases enough neutrons to sustain a continuous series of reactions, a process essential for power generation.
CEO reaction and Executive Order
Valar CEO Isiah Taylor announced the milestone via social media, stating that the achievement fulfills President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14301. That order called for three advanced reactors to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026. Taylor described the event as a historic moment and the culmination of two years of intensive work by the Valar Atomics team.
Project origins and federal goals
The Ward 250 project was originally announced in May 2025 as part of a broader federal push to deploy advanced nuclear technology on American soil by the nation's 250th anniversary.
Energy Secretary praises nuclear renaissance
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised the development, calling it another historic moment for the "America's nuclear renaissance." Wright noted that Valar Atomics is delivering revolutionary achievements for advanced nuclear energy in the United States, ranging from the first-ever airlift of a small reactor via a U.S. military C-17 to this successful zero-power criticality testing. He added that the Trump administration supports the rebirth of the American nuclear industry to ensure access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy.
Governor Cox supports Utah innovation
Governor Spencer Cox expressed pride in the achievement, stating that the event is a testament to the innovators, builders, and public servants working to strengthen the energy future of the United States. He noted specifically that Utah remains at the forefront of next-generation nuclear technology.
Industry context and recent successes
This milestone for Valar Atomics follows closely on the heels of another recent success in the industry; Antares Nuclear’s Mark-0 reactor reached criticality just weeks prior at the Idaho National Laboratory.
The successful test in Emery County highlights a growing trend of nuclear energy development within the region. Beyond the Ward 250 project, other entities are moving forward with nuclear initiatives in Utah.
Recently, Fulcrum Point Holdings and Blue Castle Holdings announced an agreement intended to advance the existing Blue Castle nuclear project located in Green River, Utah. As Valar Atomics prepares for power ascension in the coming days, the focus remains on meeting its target of full-power operations by the July 4 holiday.
The Ward 250 reactor's progress continues a timeline that began with its initial announcement in mid-2025. The company now looks toward the next phase of power ascension to meet the deadlines set by federal executive mandates.
