US hits key nuclear milestone with Australian-led advanced reactor
Nuclear for Australia
Nuclear for Australia celebrated confirmation that Deployable Energy became the third advanced reactor within the U.S. Department of Energy Reactor Pilot Program to reach criticality.
Criticality is the point at which a reactor achieves a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, a crucial step in commercialising advanced nuclear technologies.
“The US set a target to get three advanced reactors at criticality to show that microreactor technology is no longer theoretical, but deployable,” Nuclear for Australia Founder Will Shackel said.
“News overnight that Deployable Energy powered up it’s reactor, ahead of the Fourth of July milestone, was particularly exciting because of its CEO and Co-Founder Bobby Gallagher is Australian.”
The achievement is part of a broader effort to restore U.S. nuclear leadership. In May 2025 President Trump made an Executive Order on nuclear energy, which directed federal agencies to facilitate the criticality of at least three new advanced reactors by 4 July 2026.
Mr Shackel said this historic achievement turned attention back to nuclear and the important contribution advanced reactor technology can make globally, and in Australia.
“Microreactors are essentially transportable “batteries” designed to provide reliable electricity and heat for remote and off-grid applications,” he said.
“What we have seen with this advance reactor program is unprecedented speed of development – Deployable Energy went from project start up to powering up its microreactor in just 150 days.
“Investment in advanced microreactors at the scale we are seeing around the world clearly shows that nuclear works. It is economically viable, safe, low emissions and will help meet the growing energy demands of our communities.
“Australia must capitalise on this nuclear renaissance and open the door to nuclear in Australia.
“Microreactors could provide energy solutions for everything from mining operations and remote critical minerals projects to defence facilities and critical infrastructure, or future AI and hyperscale data centres – because they would provide reliable, round-the-clock energy.
“Advanced nuclear technology would strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and enhance the competitiveness of our remote industries.
“But in Australia, nuclear is not even on the table because of outdated bans.
“Nuclear for Australia has been calling on the parliament to lift the bans on nuclear technology and this is why: because a truly technology-neutral approach is what we need to deliver the best energy outcomes for Australia” Mr Shackel said.
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Nuclear for Australia is a grassroots organisation with over 118, 000 supporters. The organisation's goal is to advance the public debate as to the peaceful use of nuclear science, technology and applications. Nuclear for Australia is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, and a member of the Fundraising Institute of Australia. For more information visit www.nuclearforaustralia.com
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