DOE on Tuesday named 10 companies that could access a “fast-tracked approach to future commercial licensing activities.” They are: Aalo Atomics; Antares Nuclear; Atomic Alchemy; Deep Fission; Last Energy; Oklo; Natura Resources; Radiant Industries; Terrestrial Energy; and Valar Atomics.

DOE will work with industry on these 11 projects, with the goal to construct, operate, and achieve criticality of "at least three" test reactors using the DOE authorization process by July 4, 2026.

Small modular and so-called "advanced" nuclear reactors have been talked about in the U.S. for years, but the only ones operating are in China and Russia. Hurdles include getting