Courtesy photo
LANL News:
Los Alamos National Laboratory has reached a major milestone in advanced nuclear energy. The New Mexico Nuclear Alliance (NMNA) yesterday congratulated Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and
Christopher Stanek, Director of Nuclear Energy Programs, following the successful zero-power criticality demonstration of the ZiaCore microreactor. The achievement validates the reactor’s underlying physics and represents an important step toward the next generation of advanced nuclear technologies.
Over four weeks in April and May, the ZiaCore system achieved high-temperature, zero-power criticality at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC). This important benchmark confirms the reactor performs as designed and places ZiaCore among a growing group of advanced microreactor technologies developed by national laboratories and private industry to successfully achieve criticality.
As demand grows for reliable, carbon-free energy to power artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing, defense installations, and critical infrastructure, advanced microreactors like ZiaCore are expected to play an increasingly important role in America’s energy future.
One of ZiaCore’s distinguishing features is its fuel flexibility. The reactor is designed to operate using today’s commercially available low-enriched uranium (LEU) while maintaining the ability to utilize high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) as domestic production expands. This approach addresses one of the industry’s most significant challenges while strengthening America’s domestic nuclear fuel supply chain.
Why This Matters to New Mexico
New Mexico continues to be a national leader in nuclear science, technology, and innovation. From the groundbreaking work at Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories to a growing advanced nuclear industry, our state is helping shape America’s energy and national security future.
Additional Resources
For more information about the 2026 Los Alamos Nuclear Forum, including the agenda, speakers, media resources, and event information, visit:
The ZiaCore milestone will be among the important topics discussed at the 2026 Los Alamos Nuclear Forum, where leaders from the national laboratories, industry, government, academia, and the investment community will explore the future of advanced nuclear technology and America’s energy security.
