From Criticality to Commercial Operations: Criticality Demonstrations

Tuesday, August 25|3:30 pm – 4:15 pm|Cortez AB

Educational Session|Advanced Nuclear

Description: Microreactor demonstrations and test reactor programs are creating new pathways for developers to prove technology readiness before full commercial deployment. This panel features micro-reactor vendors who achieved criticality under the July 4th Criticality Initiative (EO 14301) to discuss their experiences, lessons learned, and views on the path forward.

What you'll gain: Understand how criticality demonstrations can reduce technical and investor uncertainty; learn lessons from developers transitioning from test programs to NRC-regulated deployment; and explore how demonstration strategy, licensing strategy, and project execution planning need to align.

Who should attend: Utilities and developers considering microreactor deployments, engineering firms supporting first-of-a-kind projects, and investors evaluating technology maturity and execution risk.


Moderator

Brad Tomer

Director

National Reactor Innovation Center


Panelists

Yasir Arafat

Chief Technology Officer

Aalo Atomics

Rita Baranwal

Chief Nuclear Officer

Radiant Industries, Inc.

Jason Andrus

Head of Nuclear Operations and Regulatory Affairs

Antares Industries