ELEXANA AND VALAR ATOMICS ACHIEVE HISTORIC CRITICALITY MILESTONE FOR ADVANCED U.S. NUCLEAR ENERGY
June 19, 2026
ORANGEVILLE, UTAH — Valar Atomics has successfully achieved reactor criticality, marking a historic milestone in the advancement of next-generation nuclear energy in the United States. The achievement comes after approximately two years of design, engineering, construction, testing, and commissioning efforts involving Valar Atomics, its contractors, consultants, and supporting organizations.
Developed under the accelerated framework established by Presidential Executive Order 14302 and the national objective of demonstrating advanced nuclear technology by the July 4th deadline, the reactor represents a significant step forward for American energy innovation and energy independence.
The reactor utilizes a helium-cooled, graphite-moderated design intended to provide reliable, efficient, and inherently safe nuclear energy production. Reaching criticality signifies that the reactor has achieved a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction — one of the most important milestones in the commissioning of any nuclear reactor.
ELEXANA is honored to have contributed to this historic accomplishment. Throughout the project, ELEXANA provided engineering consultation and participated in multiple design and redesign efforts involving electrical systems, grounding and bonding architecture, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), power quality, equipment reliability, shielding concepts, and reactor support systems.
ELEXANA's contributions helped support the development of a robust electrical and electromagnetic infrastructure that enhances operational reliability and system performance.
In addition to supporting the current reactor, ELEXANA has assisted in conceptual planning for future reactor facilities, advanced grounding systems, electromagnetic hardening strategies, and next-generation control module designs intended to improve resilience and long-term operational reliability.
The successful achievement of criticality demonstrates what can be accomplished when innovative reactor developers, engineers, scientists, contractors, and government agencies work toward a common objective. The milestone represents not only a major achievement for Valar Atomics, but also an important moment for the future of advanced nuclear energy in the United States.
As commissioning activities continue and the reactor progresses toward power generation, the project stands as a testament to American engineering, innovation, and determination to develop clean, reliable, and domestically produced energy resources for future generations.
About Valar Atomics
Valar Atomics is an advanced nuclear technology company focused on developing innovative reactor systems designed to deliver safe, reliable, and scalable energy solutions for the future.
About ELEXANA
ELEXANA is an electromagnetic engineering consultancy specializing in electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), grounding and bonding systems, power quality, shielding, and critical infrastructure support. ELEXANA provides engineering services for nuclear energy, semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, medical systems, defense applications, and advanced technology development.