The Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL), a unit within the Utah Office of Energy Development, and Valar Atomics, announced the groundbreaking of a site in Orangeville for the state’s first nuclear test reactor.
Valar was just one of eleven companies selected for the U.S. Department of Energy for its Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to achieve criticality for three reactors by Independence Day next year (July 4, 2026). The USREL site will host Ward 250, a next-generation test reactor that integrates three proven technologies: TRISO fuel (uranium kernels encased in ceramic layers for added safety), helium coolant and graphite moderators. Together, these features enable safer operations over past nuclear technologies and offer the ability to operate at higher temperatures than traditional plants.
Test reactors like Valar’s are a significant addition to the USREL’s research portfolio, which includes a wide range of energy projects, from traditional to emerging technologies. “Utah is proud to partner with Valar,” said Jaron Wallace, Director of the USREL. “This research effort has the support of the State of Utah, the Department of Energy, and the lab. Valar’s project isn’t just bringing cutting-edge nuclear technologies to the state; their unique focus on concentrated infrastructure means Utah will have the industrial-scale power needed to power our communities and businesses.”
The test reactor launch, which coincides with the 24th anniversary of 9/11, underscores the need for energy security and independence. As Utah and the nation face rising demand for electricity, advanced nuclear technologies offer an energy-dense, low-emissions resource with a smaller land footprint than many existing resources. Nuclear power, along with geothermal, natural gas, battery storage and other resources, is central to Operation Gigawatt, Utah’s plan to double electrical-generating capacity and create robust, domestically sourced energy ecosystems.
“Energy security is a priority for Utah and the U.S.,” said Emy Lesofski, Director of the Utah Office of Energy Development and Energy Advisor to the Governor. “This groundbreaking marks a historic moment–one where we choose resilience, innovation and global leadership through partnerships like the Valar-USREL collaboration.”
The U.S. currently trails Russia and China in the pursuit of next-generation nuclear technologies at a time when electrical demand is set to increase. From 1950 to 2010, electricity’s share of total energy demand more than tripled (from 15% to 55%), and analysts project continued growth driven by electrification, AI adoption and energy-intensive industries. Small modular reactors (SMRs) like Ward 250 are designed to deliver clean, reliable power wherever it is needed.
Valar Atomics has chosen the Kiewit Corporation for engineering and construction, Goree for architecture and design and Sprung for the building.
Valar Atomics CEO and founder, Isaiah Taylor, said, “Valar Atomics is proud to partner with Governor Cox and the State of Utah on America’s nuclear comeback. President Trump set an ambitious goal—to bring advanced reactors to criticality by July 4, 2026—and Utah and Valar are answering that call. With today’s groundbreaking, we’re moving from plans to construction to deliver dependable, affordable power for AI, advanced manufacturing, and American industry. It’s a decisive step toward the energy abundance Governor Cox envisions and toward making Utah a leader in nuclear.”