Aalo Atomics Inc. proposes the Aalo-X Critical Assembly project at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) involving the installation, configuration, and operation of a graphite-moderated, zero-power critical assembly within the existing Critical Assembly Facility (CAF).
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
April 14, 2026
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Aalo Atomics Inc. proposes the Aalo-X Critical Assembly project at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) involving the installation, configuration, and operation of a graphite-moderated, zero-power critical assembly within the existing Critical Assembly Facility (CAF). Reactor activities are limited to controlled approach-to-critical testing and zero-power reactor physics experiments at nominal steady-state power levels not exceeding 10 watts thermal. Operations include core loading and configuration within the Critical Assembly Vessel (CAV), reactivity control system testing, instrumentation validation, and neutron physics measurements necessary to support advanced microreactor development. The assembly is a dry configuration and does not utilize liquid coolant systems, sodium systems, or process water systems. No electrical generation, thermal energy production, or power conversion systems are involved.