Valar Atomics has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy's National Reactor Innovation Center for its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative, according to a report published August 27. The selection, which provides the company with technical and regulatory support to move toward commercialization, comes as the firm expands its operations in Emery County, Utah.
The selection for the initiative arrives following several major financial milestones for the El Segundo, California-based company. On August 4, 2026, Valar announced it closed a $1 billion Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital. This was accompanied by a $200 million credit facility led by Erebor Bank and J.P. Morgan.
In Emery County, Valar's Ward 250 reactor reached nuclear criticality in June 2026. Utah economic-development records show the company projects approximately $1.3 billion in capital investment in the area, which is expected to create 275 new full-time jobs and generate roughly $213.5 million in new state revenue.
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative is designed to bridge the gap between nuclear demonstration and commercial deployment. While the selection does not grant direct government funding, it provides selected developers with a prioritized pathway to the Department of Energy's authorization process and access to specialized technical expertise.
Valar previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Utah Office of Energy Development in May 2025, identifying the San Rafael Energy Lab as a potential site for reactor testing and TRISO nuclear-fuel fabrication. On July 9, 2026, the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity approved a post-performance refundable tax credit for Valar worth up to $106.7 million over 10 years.
Beyond its current operations, Valar has announced plans to collaborate with NVIDIA on a waterless, 30-megawatt AI facility paired with its reactor technology. While the exact location was not disclosed, the Los Angeles Times reported the facility is planned for Utah.
