Ward Zero Completion
The completion of Ward Zero, Valar's 1:1 non-nuclear thermal test reactor, on February 15, 2025.
Ward250
Four executive orders opened the door. Our engagement with the administration gave Valar the mandate to act.
Partnering for Abundant Energy
Ward 250 Updates
NucNet
Valar Atomics' Ward 250 becomes second advanced nuclear plant to go critical in US06.19.26
POWER
Valar Atomics' Ward 250 becomes second reactor to go critical under DOE Pilot Program06.19.26
U.S. Department of Energy
Department of Energy celebrates second advanced reactor achieving criticality06.18.26
World Nuclear News
US microreactor transported by air02.18.26
ANS Nuclear Newswire
Valar Atomics breaks ground in Utah09.25.25
Valar Atomics Selected for the President’s Accelerated Nuclear Program08.12.25
Ward 250
Project Overview
Ward 250
Project Overview
The US faces a $100B+ power shortfall, with soaring demand from data centers, critical grid upgrades, and industrial reshoring. Nuclear is the only scalable, carbon-free solution that can meet this demand.
Energy Crisis
The US faces a $100B+ power shortfall, with soaring demand from data centers, critical grid upgrades, and industrial reshoring. Nuclear is the only scalable, carbon-free solution that can meet this demand.
Ward 250
Videos
Ward 250 Groundbreaking
Breaking ground on Ward 250 at the San Rafael Energy Lab in Utah on September 17, 2025.
Ward 250: The Test Reactor
A review of Ward 250, which will generate power at the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab, and how it de-risks Valar's reactor technology on the path to full-scale systems.
TRISO Fuel, Explained
An explanation of the TRISO fuel technology at the core of Valar's safety and performance model, and why Valar uses it.
Utah Site Reveal
An introduction to the Utah site holding Ward 250, based at the San Rafael Energy Lab in Orangeville, Utah.
Operation Windlord
A historic moment for Valar and for American nuclear: the first shipment of the modular reactor, via C-17 transport planes, from California to Utah.
Build With Us
A statement of the ethos Valar Atomics has built over the last few years, packaged as a call to action.
Citadel Stacking
The final look at the reactor as it is sealed away behind millions of pounds of concrete radiation shielding, one of the last steps toward criticality readiness.
Criticality
Inside the control room as Ward 250 achieves criticality, making it the second advanced reactor to go critical under the DOE Reactor Pilot Program.
Ward 250
Photos
